Firefighters have issued a candle safety reminder following a fire at a flat on Broad Street in Dagenham.
Part of a first floor flat was damaged by the fire. One man left the building before the Brigade arrived and was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was caused by an unattended tea light candle.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Candles are one of the most common causes of fire.
"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. They should always be kept in a sturdy fire resistant candleholder.
"You could consider swapping your traditional candles for safer, LED flameless ones.
"This incident is also a reminder about the importance of having smoke alarms as the occupant was alerted to the blaze when he heard the smoke alarm.
"You should fit smoke alarms in all rooms where a fire might start. But in steamy rooms like your kitchen or bathroom, a heat alarm is more suitable.”
The Brigade was called at 0222 and the fire was under control by 0329. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Dagenham, Ilford and Barking fire stations were at the scene.