More than 80 firefighters tackled a huge blaze at a pallet yard yesterday evening.
The London Fire Brigade was called at 7.57pm to East Hall Lane, Rainham, where a large stack of pallets and an outer building were alight.
Twelve fire engines were at the scene, including two from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Country Fire Service.
Station manager Colin Parker, who was at the scene, said: “When crews first arrived they noticed that alongside the pallet yard was a large farmhouse which was in danger of being set alight.
“Quick-thinking crews aimed jets at the farmhouse to protect it from the blaze.”
The blaze damaged a number of workshops, two cottages and an annexe flat. It also destroyed two light goods vehicles and two cars.
Firefighters were called from areas including Wennington, Dagenham and Barking.
The fire was under control by 1.22am and its cause is under investigation.
Crews remain at the scene, damping the area down.
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