Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a house on St Brides Close in Erith.
The first floor and staircase between the ground and first floor of an end of terraced house were destroyed by the fire. Most of the ground floor and a staircase between the first and second floors and part of the second floor were also damaged. Five people left the property before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries, but sadly four cats were found dead at the scene.
The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by an unattended candle or incense stick igniting textiles.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Thankfully, smoke alarms fitted inside the property were able to give the earliest possible warning to the fire, which had started in a ground floor bedroom, and provided time for the resident to escape.
"Candles, incense and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire within homes. It's really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from curtains and anything else that can easily catch fire.
"Our advice is that you place these in a suitable fire resistant holder, which won't be knocked over, and make sure you put them out entirely when you leave the room and especially before bed."
The Brigade was called at 1201 and the fire was under control by 1403. Fire crews from Barking, Bromley, East Greenwich and Eltham fire stations were at the scene.