Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers tackled a house converted into flats on Hainault Road in Leytonstone this afternoon.
The fire badly damaged both flats in the building and most of the roof was destroyed.
Six people left the ground floor flat before the Brigade arrived.
Station Manager Chris Payton, who was at the scene said:
“When firefighters arrived they were faced with intense fire that had spread from the rear bedroom. Thankfully six people got out unhurt and we led a further two occupants from next door as a precaution. The incident had the potential to be more serious, but through the hard work of the attending crews and officers further fire spread was prevented.
“There was no working smoke alarm inside the flat. “Homes need multiple and linked smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.
“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. They should be linked together and tested regularly.”
The Brigade was called at 1315 and the fire was under control by 1433. Fire crews from Leyton, Walthamstow, Stratford, Leytonstone and Chingford fire stations were at the scene. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.