Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a flat above a takeaway restaurant on Green Lane in Dagenham.
Most of the first floor was damaged by fire and the second floor of the building was destroyed by the blaze. There were no reports of any injuries.
Leading Firefighter Chris Wilson, who was at the scene, said: “On arrival we could see heavy smoke and flames coming from the first floor at the rear of the building and from the mansard roof.
“Residents from neighbouring flats had left their properties before the Brigade arrived and crews searched the premises to make sure that no one was inside. Thankfully, no one was hurt.”
The Brigade was called at 2050 and the fire was under control by 2244. Fire crews from Dagenham, Ilford, Barking and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by an electrical event.