Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were called to a fire at a hay barn on Painters Road in Ilford.
Most of an open sided barn with a corrugated iron roof was destroyed in the blaze. The initial fire crews supported owners in leading three horses to a safe location. Fortunately, the horses did not sustain any injuries.
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as a water tower to tackle flames from height. A drone was also deployed to survey the incident from above, providing live images and thermal imagery. This provides Incident Commanders with a vital aerial view, helping them develop effective tactics and assess the area.
Station Commander Stephen Irvine was at the scene, he said: "At the height of the incident Hainault Road was closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.
"This incident is expected to be a protracted incident and crews will be at the scene of the fire throughout the night damping down remaining hotspots."
The Brigade's 999 Control officers received the first of eight calls to the fire at 1955. They mobilised crews from Hainault, Ilford, Dagenham, Romford, Harold Hill and Barking fire stations. The fire was under control by 2230.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.