Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a house fire on Sunnycroft Gardens in Upminster.
Most of the roof of a semi-detached bungalow was damaged by the fire and a small part of an adjoining property's roof was also damaged. Four people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 1416 and the fire was under control by 1532. Fire crews from Hornchurch, Harold Hill and Romford fire stations were at the scene, as well as colleagues from Essex Fire and Rescue Service.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was caused by hot works being carried out on the roof.