Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a grass fire on Ingrebourne Hill in Rainham.
Approximately ten hectares of grassland were damaged by fire. Around 35 residents on Palmerston Road were evacuated as a precaution. There were no reports of any injuries.
Station Commander Kevin Morgan, who was at the scene, said: "Firefighters worked hard in hot, arduous conditions to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to any properties.
"The fire was producing a significant amount of smoke, and we urged local residents to keep their windows and doors closed where possible.
"We asked people to avoid the area, particularly around Palmerston Road, where crowds gathered. This helped firefighters and emergency services to work safely and efficiently."
One of the Brigade's Terrain Support Vehicles was sent to the scene to support firefighting operations. The vehicle provides off-road capability enabling the transportation of additional equipment closer to fires on open ground. Each vehicle carries approximately 475 litres of water, a backpack blower, ear defenders, beaters and misting lance technology, which allows firefighters to pump water and drive, enabling them to tackle grass fires more quickly and safely.
Crews also used backpack blowers, which work just like leaf blowers. They allow firefighters to push flames back into already burnt areas. This is a tactic that provides a faster, more efficient attack on wildfires. Wildfire beaters were also used. The beater is made of a long handle with a flat piece of rubber at the end. They’re used to beat the flames, which deprives them of oxygen and cools them down.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "During periods of dry and sustained extreme heat, the chance of wildfires spreading rapidly is high. The Brigade is ready and prepared to respond to all types of incidents, but we urge everyone to play their part to prevent incidents, such as wildfires, which can be time-consuming to resolve and have devastating impacts on livelihoods, occurring in the first place.
"If you’re planning to enjoy the weather over the coming days either in a park or other open spaces, please don’t take a disposable BBQ with you. They pose a significant fire risk as the heat can be retained for many hours, even after a barbecue has been put out. It’s also important to make sure that smoking materials are discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available.
“For those having a BBQ at home, avoid doing so on a balcony and ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like fences and sheds. You should also avoid setting up your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden.”
The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of more than 20 calls to the fire at 1702 and sent crews from Barking, Romford, East Ham, Dagenham and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 2056.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.