Ten fire engines and around 100 firefighters tackled a fire at a block of flats on Broadis Way in Rainham.
Two balconies were destroyed by the fire. Half of a four roomed flat on the third floor and part of a four roomed flat on the fourth floor were damaged by the fire. A small part of the roof was damaged by the fire. Around 50 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There are no reports of any injuries.
A rest centre has been set up at Mardyke Community Centre.
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used as a water tower to help fight the fire from above.
The Brigade's Control Room was called at 0545 and mobilised fire crews from Dagenham, Tottenham, Wennington and other surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 0728.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.