Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a fire at an industrial yard on Manor Road, Erith.
A single-storey outbuilding, five cars and a lorry were destroyed by fire. A large amount of smoke was initially being produced by the fire, so residents in the local area were advised to keep doors and windows shut where possible as crews responded.
Firefighters deployed a Hose Layer and High Volume Pump as part of their response, increasing the amount of water available for firefighting operations. A 32-metre turntable ladder was used as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above. The Brigade also deployed a drone to provide the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the fire.
A number of cylinders were removed from the vicinity of the fire and cooled to an ambient temperature by crews.
Firefighters remain on the scene fully extinguishing the fire and dampening down hotspots.
The Brigade received the first of over 20 calls reporting the fire at 0407, and fire engines from Plumstead, Erith, Bexley and surrounding fire stations were mobilised to the scene. Crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service also attended this incident. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control by 0701.
The cause of the fire has been recorded as undetermined.