At the height of fire nearly 70 firefighters and officers were at the scene.
The fire began in a pine-stripping workshop at the rear of a block of small commercial units, known locally as ‘Jack Burgoine Florists', on the Clophill Road in Maulden. It spread via the roof towards the other buildings.
Involved in the fire was a tank of caustic soda, propane gas cylinders and asbestos which made up part of older building.
Firefighters worked in relays to fight the blaze. They can only work for restricted periods within the contaminated fumes given off by fires involving asbestos.
Crews from Bedford, Ampthill, Kempston, Stopsley, Toddington, Woburn, Biggleswade and Potton were involved at various times.
At one point emergency services warned those living "down wind" of the fire to keep windows closed to prevent asbestos fumes from getting in to people' homes.
Area Commander Dave Fothergill, who was in charge at the scene, said: "The smoke plume was high so we did not anticipate any real concerns for the public - but just in case we advised those living in Millbrook direction to keep their windows shut."