Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a fire at a waste transfer facility on Belinda Road in Brixton.
Around 70 tonnes of household waste inside a metal structure was alight. Nine residents from surrounding properties were evacuated as a precaution. There were no reports of any injuries.
Station Commander Ken Spratt, who was at the scene, said: "Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night to bring the fire at the waste transfer site under control safely.
"On-site machinery was used to turn over the waste, allowing firefighters to access and extinguish deep-seated hot spots. One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was also deployed, alongside thermal imaging cameras, to give incident commanders enhanced situational awareness.
"The fire produced smoke that was carried across the surrounding area by the wind. As a precaution, we advised local residents to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible. Road closures were also in place between Hinton Road and Loughborough Park."
The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of more than 30 calls to the fire at 1710 and sent crews from Brixton, Clapham, New Cross, Lambeth, West Norwood and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The Brigade's Community Engagement team also attended the incident to provide support to residents. The fire was under control by 0002.
The cause of the fire has been recorded as undetermined.