Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a house fire on Bulmer Walk in Rainham.
The entire roof of a terraced house was destroyed and most of the roof of a neighbouring house was also damaged by fire. Seven people left the properties before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The residents were alerted to the fire after they could smell smoke and heard crackling coming from the loft followed by their smoke alarms sounding.
Firefighters carried out salvage operations to safely recover items as swiftly as possible and minimise damage.
The Brigade was called at 0149 and the fire was under control by 0349. Fire crews from Wennington, Hornchurch, Barking, Dagenham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.