Homes and businesses in the centre of Leominster were evacuated after a huge fire broke out at a commercial garage.
Nine fire crews from Leominster, Shropshire and Hereford were called to the blaze at Oldfields Garage, in Green Lane, at about 11.50am on Tuesday.
Police officers cordoned off a large area after fears were raised that gas cylinders used for welding at the premises could explode.
Office workers and residents were directed towards the leisure centre.
Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control by 1pm.
It is believed the fire started from a vehicle at the garage. No-one was injured during the fire.
Station manager Steve Fellows said that crews would be continuing to monitor the cylinders for the next 24 hours while efforts continued to damp down the scene.
Several roads were expected to remain closed until at least midday today. They include parts of Green Lane, Oldfields Close and Cranes Lane from its junction with Green Lane for a distance of approximately 50 metres.
Residents of about 20 premises were unable to access their properties overnight and where necessary the local authority arranged emergency accommodation for those affected.
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