Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers were called to a fire in a student accommodation block in Angel Lane, Stratford.
There was a small fire in a communal kitchen on the seventh floor. A sprinkler system activated and suppressed the fire.
Around 200 students evacuated before the arrival of the Brigade.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “For a long time, we have been calling for residential tower blocks to be retrofitted with sprinklers.
“Sprinklers are the only fire safety system that detects a fire, suppresses a fire and raises the alarm.
“They save lives and protect property and they are especially important where there are vulnerable residents who would find it difficult to escape, like those with mobility problems.”
The Brigade was called at 2009 and the fire was under control at 2213. Fire crews from Stratford, Leyton, Leytonstone and Plaistow fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.