Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a fire on New Road in Rainham.
The fire occurred at a range of industrial units. Most of a single storey unit, used as a vehicle repair workshop, was damaged by fire. Part of a neighbouring unit was also damaged. Two vehicles outside the units were destroyed by fire and a further two vehicles were damaged.
Four cylinders were removed from a unit and cooled to an ambient temperature as a precaution as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat. There were no reports of any injuries.
A road closure has been in place on New Road, near the junction of Marsh Way, and firefighters remained on scene throughout the night dampening down any hotspots.
The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received at least 17 calls about the fire.
The Brigade was called at 0038 and the fire was brought under control by 0155. Crews from Ilford, Wennington, Barking, Hornchurch and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.