A CRACKDOWN on rogue bonfires has been hailed as a success after residents were ordered to register their events.

Over 50 fires were registered for Wednesday’s events, and bosses claim that the “bonfire registration scheme” helped improve safety throughout the area.

But six unauthorized fires were targeted including a blaze in Bedford Place, Padiham, causing firefighters to extinguish the blaze and clear the site.

Bosses said the scheme was set up to tackle those who misuse fireworks or dump rubbish on public land to be burned. Burnley fire chief, Dave Jackson said the scheme has been “highly beneficial” to the local fire brigade and only 35 fires were registered last year.

He said: “The scheme seems to be doing well.

“We had quite a few incidents on Wednesday evening but the majority of fires were under control. The fire service enjoys giving sensible advice to people who want to act safely around this time of year, and the registration scheme proved to contribute to the amount of fires registered this year.”

And council bosses said those who are caught without registering fires could face a fixed penalty fine.

A spokesperson for Burnley Council said: “The police and the council have power to issue fines up to £80 to those who break the rules and are involved in anti social behaviour.

“In addition to this, dumped materials could be classed as fly tipping and the person responsible could be issued with fines or court action.”