Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a fire at a tyre workshop on High Street North in Manor Park.
The single storey unit was destroyed by fire. A number of gas cylinders exploded due to the heat.
Approximately 15 people were evacuated from neighbouring properties as a precaution.
The Brigade was called at 2151 and the fire was under control by 2318. Fire crews from East Ham, Ilford, Stratford, Plaistow, Leytonstone, Barking and Poplar fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.