Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a house fire on Sutton Court Road in Plaistow.
Most of the first floor of a mid-terraced house was damaged by fire. Eleven people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This incident serves as a reminder of just how important it is to have working smoke alarms in your home. There were no working smoke alarms in the property.
"Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts. We encourage everyone to have smoke alarms fitted in every room where a fire could start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. It’s important to test them regularly.”
The Brigade was called at 1922 and the fire was under control by 2002. Fire crews from Plaistow, Stratford and Barking fire stations attended the scene.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an electrical fault.