Three fire engines and 14 firefighters and officers were called to a small fire at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford.
The fire was in a service area on the second floor and was suppressed by a sprinkler system. Some stock items were damaged but the fire was contained due to the sprinkler activating.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This fire highlights the clear benefits of having sprinkler systems installed.
“In this case, the sprinkler system has controlled and extinguished the fire, preventing thousands of pounds worth of damage to the building and the businesses inside.
“Sprinklers are proven to save lives and property and also allow businesses to get back to normal as soon as possible by minimising disruption.”
Thousands of people were evacuated from the centre. Two people were treated on the scene for minor injuries before being taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade was called at 1714 and the incident was over for us at 1924. Fire crews from Leytonstone, Leyton and Plaistow fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.