Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a shop with flats above on Frances Wharf in Tower Hamlets.
Part of a balcony on the second floor was damaged by fire. Around 25 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received 22 calls to the blaze.
The Brigade was called at 1943 and the fire was under control by 2025. Fire crews from Poplar, Millwall, Shadwell, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Plaistow and Dowgate fire stations attended the scene.
The fire is believed to be accidental.