Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire on Crampton Street in Elephant & Castle.
A lorry was destroyed and external parts of two industrial units and a block of flats were also damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received 72 calls about the incident.
The Brigade was called at 1926 and the fire was under control by 2103. Crews from Lambeth, Old Kent Road and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade and Metropolitan Police.