Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a vehicle alight near Limehouse Tunnel.
A limousine was damaged in the blaze.
Motorists were advised to avoid the area due to a heavy build up of traffic.
The Brigade was called at 1757 and the incident was under control by 1806. Fire crews from Shadwell, Poplar, Millwall and Plaistow fire stations were in attendance.