Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a derelict landfill site on Launders Lane in Rainham.
Rubbish, grass and shrubs were destroyed by fire over an area of around twenty hectares with crews tackling multiple seats of fire.
Station Commander Gary Brown said: “Firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control. There were deep seated pockets of fire in the undergrowth.
“Launders Lane was closed to traffic and motorists were advised to avoid the area.”
The Brigade was called at 0717 and was under control by 1123. Fire crews from Wennington, Dagenham and Barking fire stations were at the scene, along with colleagues from Essex Fire and Rescue service.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.