Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a flat fire on Marsh Wall in Isle of Dogs.
Tower Hamlets Borough Commander Richard Tapp said:
“The sprinkler suppression system made a big difference in containing the fire and limiting its impact.
"A number of people evacuated from the fire floor before firefighters arrived. Other residents remained in their unaffected flats. The firefighters that attended worked quickly and the vast majority of residents were back inside their flats within an hour of the first call.
"Sprinklers are the only fire safety system that detects a fire, suppresses a fire and raises the alarm.
“They save lives and protect property and they are especially important where there are vulnerable residents who would find it difficult to escape, like those with mobility problems.”
The fire damaged a small part of a flat on the 37th floor. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 1403 and the fire was under control by 1437. Fire crews from Poplar, Shadwell, Bethnal Green and Plaistow fire stations were at the scene. The cause of the fire is believed to be an unattended candle.