Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers were called to a fire at a house in Watford Road, Canning Town yesterday afternoon (September 4).
Part of the roof of the property was damaged by fire.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Hearn said: “This fire is believed to have been caused by a malfunction in a heat lamp being used for the cultivation of cannabis in a loft space.
“Firefighters can be exposed to risks when dealing with these types of fires because of the unsafe wiring used to obtain electricity and booby traps at some of the properties.
“It is important that people know the key signs and inform the police so that they can act swiftly to prevent these dangerous fires, which can also put neighbours at risk as well.”
Spotting the signs
The Brigade was called at 1228 and the fire was under control at 1318. Fire crews from East Ham, Millwall, Stratford and East Greenwich fire stations attended the scene.
A Metropolitan Police Service spokesman said: "Police were called by London Fire Brigade at 1251 on Sunday, 4 September to reports of a fire at residential premises in Watford Road, E16. LFB attended and extinguished the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
"Officers attended and a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis. He has been bailed to return to a police station on a date in late November."