Three residents had a lucky escape from a house fire in Stratford despite there not being any working smoke alarms.
One of the residents smelt burning and told one of the other occupants to call 999 immediately.
Three people left before the arrival of the Brigade. A further five people were evacuated from an adjacent house as a precaution. There were no report of any injuries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This incident shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of your home.
“Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts and we would urge everyone to make sure they have one fitted in every room where a fire can start except kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms are more appropriate.”
Part of the first floor was damaged by fire.
The Brigade was called at 0212 and the fire was under control at 0346. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Stratford, Leytonstone, Plaistow, and Poplar fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental due to a overheating plug socket.