Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a fire at a disused shop with flats above on Leytonstone Road in Stratford.
Part of the ground floor, first floor and roof of an end-of-terraced shop and flats were damaged by the fire. The roof of an adjoining shop with flats above was also damaged. Around 13 people left neighbouring properties before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
Station Commander Jim Ryan, who was at the scene, said: "Crews worked hard to bring the fire under control.
"We had two height vehicles on scene to tackle the blaze in the roof.
"Nearby Maryland train station was not affected, but Leytonstone Road was closed in both directions."
The Brigade was called at 2215 and the fire was under control by 0044. Fire crews from Stratford, Leytonstone, Leyton, Plaistow, Poplar, Homerton and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.