Firefighters were called to a lorry alight on Ripple Road by the junction of Cook Road in Dagenham.
The cab of an articulated lorry was destroyed by fire and part of a 40ft container was also damaged by the blaze. One man was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade was called at 2334 and the fire was under control by 0039. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Dagenham and Barking fire stations attended the scene.