Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at a vehicle recovery yard on Beddington Lane in Beddington.
Two recovery trucks and a car were destroyed by fire. Part of a four-tonne mechanical digger was also damaged by the blaze. There were no reports of any injuries.
One gas cylinder was involved in the fire and was cooled to an ambient temperature as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.
The Brigade was called at 0803 and the fire was under control by 0900. Fire crews from Croydon, Wallington, Norbury and Mitcham fire stations attended the scene.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an electrical fault.