Firefighters are issuing candle safety advice after they rescued two adults and three young children from a blaze in a block of flats on Great Eastern Road in Stratford last night.
They were led to safety from a third floor flat roof by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus. They were all suffering from smoke inhalation and treated by London Ambulance Service crews.
Over 30 further residents self evacuated from the building.
A flat on the first floor was completely gutted by fire. A flat on the second and third floor was also damaged by the blaze.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and believed to be caused by a candle.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said:
"Candles are one of the most common causes of fire. It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from curtains and anything else that can easily catch fire.”
Top candle safety tips
• Keep candles/tea lights away from curtains, furniture and anything else that can catch fire. Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles/tea lights when they are lit.
• Always place your candles/tea lights in a suitable fire resistant candleholder
• Make sure the candleholder holds the candle/tea light firmly and is on a flat and stable surface to stop it falling over.
The Brigade was called at 2312 and the fire was under control by 0114. Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers from Plaistow, Poplar, Homerton, Bethnal Green and East Ham fire stations were at the scene.