Firefighters were called to a house fire on Forest Lane in Forest Gate.
Part of the first floor of a semi-detached house was damaged by fire. Three adults and two children left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “There were no working smoke alarms fitted inside the property and the residents in a first-floor bedroom were alerted to the fire when they found the room full of smoke.
“Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts, and we would urge everyone to make sure they have one fitted in every room where a fire can start and a heat alarm in the kitchen. They should be tested regularly”
The Brigade was called at 1541 and the fire was under control by 1636. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Stratford, Leytonstone and Plaistow fire stations attended the scene.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and involved electrical equipment.