An intense east London fire that created a column of thick black smoke that could be seen from kilometres away, started as the result of an accident in a mechanical repair shop, a London Fire official said on Monday.

The fire, which was first reported before noon and brought in a number of calls from concerned Londoners in varying areas, broke out at 86 Clarke Road, next to the intersection of Clarke and Gore Roads.

"There was a lot of black smoke in the air from this fire. It was a high carbon fire, and we put out a notice indicating for any residents in the area closer windows because there would have been carcinogens," said London Fire platoon chief manager Jamie Britton.

According to Britton, the fire started when the owner of a mechanical repair shop was working on a vehicle, and sparks flew. It began in a small brick structure before spreading to an attached Quonset hut, which was also engulfed in flames.

So far, investigators have corroborated the owner's explanation of events and said there's nothing to indicate the fire was suspicious in nature. The owner suffered minor redness on his arm from the fire.

Britton said eight fire engines responded to the blaze. "The fire crews ended up using an aerial [fire engine]. We were able to get the fire under control quickly," he said.

The damage estimate is up to $300,000, and fire investigators continue to probe the scene.