Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a fire on an industrial estate on Landau Way in Erith.
A large amount of scrap metal - approximately 100 tonnes - at a scrapyard has been alight. There were no reports of any injuries.
A significant amount of smoke was being produced as a result of the fire, and people in the area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed while firefighters remain on scene this evening damping down remaining hot spots.
A number of specialist resources were used to help extinguish the fire, including two water bowsers and a high volume pump to ensure a high and continuous supply of water to the incident scene. A 32-metre turntable ladder was also used to tackle flames from height.
A water relay system was implemented as part of firefighting operations. Appliances were stationed between the incident site and the nearest water hydrant, and then connected together by hose. This allowed crews to pump a constant supply of water to the scene of the fire.
The Brigade's drone team were also deployed, providing the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the fire.
The Brigade has also been liaising with on-site staff and their machinery was used to safely remove waste from the scene to reduce fire spread and turn over scrap metal to extinguish deep-seated pockets of fire.
The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of seven calls to the fire at 1050 and mobilised crews from Erith, Bexley, Plumstead and surrounding fire stations to the scene. Crews and resources from Kent Fire & Rescue Service and Essex County Fire & Rescue Service were also in attendance. The fire was under control by 1713.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.