A single storey warehouse, 10 x 4 metres, was badly damage in the blaze.
Three fire engines and water carrier were sent to the scene from Bedford station and a total of six jets and hoses were used to fight the fire.
A reinspection was carried out the following morning by Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS).
On the same night crews from Kempston Fire Station had been sent to reports of a fire at Boots on the retail Interchange park. A 999 alert was received at 23.21 by BLFRS.
The “fire” was established to be a ‘smoke cloak’ activation - a technique used as a security device to prevent burglars being able to search premises. After checking the premises to ensure no one was inside who had been overcome by the smoke, it was confirmed there had been no fire. The police attended.