Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a hostel on Old Montague Street in Whitechapel.
Part of a communal area on the second floor of a four-storey building was damaged by the fire. One man was rescued from a second floor window by firefighters using a 13.5 metre ladder. He was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews. Around 62 people left the building before the Brigade arrived.
Station Commander Keith McDermott, who was at the scene, said: "The fire was in a communal kitchen area in a hostel.
"Firefighters worked hard in very warm conditions and thanks to their quick actions, they rescued a man via a second floor window.
"The fire was contained to the kitchen area."
The Brigade was called at 1509 and the fire was under control by 1559. Fire crews from Shoreditch, Shadwell, Dowgate, Bethnal Green, Whitechapel and Islington fire stations were at the scene.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a cooking pot of oil which was left unattended and ignited.
• Take extra care when cooking with hot oil as it can easily overheat and catch fire
• Never fill the pan more than one third full of fat or oil
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil - oil and water are a dangerous mix
• Use an electronic deep fat fryer if possible - they have automatic temperature controls and are much safer