TRAINS through Worcester were put at risk yesterday after a massive amount of undergrowth caught fire.

Three appliances from Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade's Blue Watch fought to control the blaze on the derelict fruit and vegetable market in Hylton Road.

The blazing undergrowth next to the railway bridge was spotted by passers-by at around 12.50pm.

"When we arrived we were very worried about the fire spreading along the embankment," said Sub-Officer Steve Laugher.

"Control warned Railtrack because there was a lot of smoke. If we hadn't arrived when we did there would have been a danger to the trains as it would have gone along the tracks.

"It was also close to the derelict building.

"We didn't want it getting inside."

Around 15 firefighters put out the fire, which started among branches and other undergrowth.

They were at the scene until 2.30pm.

Blue Watch was also called to a roof fire at Metal Castings Ltd on the Droitwich Road, Worcester, yesterday morning.

Two appliances and a turntable ladder from the city, as well as an appliance from Droitwich were called around 9.10am.

Residue inside a furnace caught alight when a vent was opened.

Crews had to mount a "difficult" operation to tackle the flames in the building.

"We couldn't spray water inside because we couldn't allow any water into the furnace," said Sub-Officer Laugher.

Firefighters using breathing apparatus used an internal crane, usually used by Metal Castings employees, to gain access to the asbestos sheeting roof.

Crews stayed at the site until 12.55pm.