Eight fire engines and 58 firefighters and officers dealt with a rubbish fire on Manor Road in Erith.
Around two tonnes of rubbish including derelict boats were damaged by the blaze. Five gas cylinders were involved. Three were cooled down, one vented and the fifth exploded.
The Brigade was called at 0948 and the fire was under control by 1434. Fire crews from Erith, Bexley, Plumstead, Dagenham, Sidcup and East Greenwich fire stations were at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.