Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a fire on St Marys Lane in Upminster.
Firefighters tackled a fire at a flat located above a restaurant. Half of the first and second floors of the building were damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 0840 and the fire was under control by 1044. Fire crews from Hornchurch, Dagenham, Harold Hill and other surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire has been recorded as undetermined.