Firefighters have issued a safety warning after a candle is believed to have caused a fire at a flat in Gibraltar Walk in Bethnal Green.
Most of a five roomed flat on the second floor and a small part of the exterior of the third floor were damaged by the fire. One woman left the property before the Brigade arrived. She was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering smoke inhalation.
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by a candle coming into contact with bedding.
Station Manager Cathi Reeve, who was at the scene, said: “Crews were faced with a well developed fire when they arrived and worked hard to stop it spreading and contained it to the flat of origin.
“This incident is a timely reminder about the importance of taking care when using candles.
“Candles are one of the most common causes of fire and it’s really important you never leave them unattended and keep them away from curtains and anything else which can easily catch fire.”
The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 23 calls to the fire.
The Brigade was called at 1853 and the fire was under control at 2046. Fire crews from Bethnal Green, Dowgate, Islington, Homerton and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.