Twenty people evacuated from a fire at a block of flats on The Ridgeway in Chingford, yesterday evening.
The residents which included two adults and an infant from the affected property, left the block before the arrival of the Brigade and there were no injuries.
Half of a five roomed flat on the second floor and part of the soffit – material underneath the external fascia - was damaged by fire.
Station Manager Sean Madeley who was at the scene, said: “On arrival we were faced with a severe fire with flames showing at the rear of the block of flats. Crews worked hard to bring the fire under control and stop it from spreading to surrounding flats.
“The occupants of the flat affected were alerted to the fire by the smell of smoke which was fortunate as there was no smoke detection fitted in the property. Had there been smoke alarms fitted it may have led to earlier detection of the fire.
“Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and the safest option is have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in your home.”
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and due to clothes coming into contact with an electric
clothes dryer.
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Chingford, Woodford and Enfield fire stations attended the incident.
The Brigade was called at 1815 and the fire was under control at 1940.