Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a grass fire on Launders Lane in Rainham.
An area of mixed waste at a landfill site was alight. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 15 calls to the blaze.
Station Commander Paul Green, who was at the scene, said: "The road is closed whilst firefighters continue to work to make the scene safe and we ask people to avoid the area. Crews are expected to remain on scene throughout the evening.
"The fire was producing heavy smoke in the surrounding area and residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed."
The Brigade was called at 1651 and the fire was under control by 1834. Fire crews from Wennington, Dagenham, Hornchurch and Barking fire stations attended the scene.