Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a fire at Launders Lane in Rainham.
An area of wasteland was destroyed by fire.
Station Commander Steve Pringle was at the scene, he said: "Local residents were encouraged to shut their doors and windows due to the heavy smoke.
"Motorists were also advised to avoid the area due to a road closure between Lambs Lane and Sandy Lane.
"This is going to be a protracted incident and crews will remain on scene damping down hotspots."
The Brigade was called at 1110 and the fire was under control by 1634. Fire crews from Hornchurch, Chingford. Harold Hill, Dagenham and surrounding fire stations are in attendance.