Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a recycling centre on Creek Way in Rainham.
The fire damaged part of a conveyor belt system and waste material inside it. The fire also spread to a lorry containing waste material and part of a vehicle bay.
An engineer from the recycling centre noticed smoke visible in the refinement section, a sprinkler system was activated and the Brigade was called.
Wearing breathing apparatus and using a thermal imaging camera, fire crews were able to locate and extinguish the remaining areas of the fire. Around ten members of staff evacuated the premises before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was accidental and was caused by a possible friction event, or sparks from waste metal debris in the machinery.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This fire highlights the clear benefits of having sprinkler systems installed.
“In this case, the sprinkler system helped suppress the fire making it easier for crews to tackle the blaze."
“Sprinklers can save lives and property, and also allow businesses to get back to normal as soon as possible by minimising disruption."
Firefighters used the Brigade’s new 32 metre turntable ladder to tackle the fire.
The Brigade was called at 0251 and the fire was under control by 0451. Fire crews from Wennington, Dagenham, Barking, Hornchurch, Eastham and Plaistow fire stations attended the scene.