Eight fire engines and 58 firefighters and officers were called to a fire at a flat in Elmira Street, Lewisham.
Most of the balcony and part of a four-roomed flat on the 13th floor of a 20 storey block were damaged by the fire. Around 180 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
A sprinkler system fitted within the flat helped to suppress the fire.
The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 16 calls to the fire.
The Brigade was called at 0414 and the fire was under control at 0523. Firefighters from Lee Green, Deptford, New Cross, Forest Hill, Lewisham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The fire is believed to be accidental and due to the careless disposal of smoking materials.