Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after an outdoor fire which spread to a shop and flats on Woodgrange Road in Forest Gate.
A range of items in a rear garden were badly damaged by the fire. Part of the ground floor of a nearby shop and first floor flats were also damaged. Around 10 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the blaze was accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.
“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.
"This incident is also a timely reminder to ensure you have working smoke alarms. Residents called 999 after hearing a smoke alarm sounding.
"You should have working smoke alarms in every room where a fire can start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and the bathroom. They should be tested regularly."
The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took six calls to the blaze.
The Brigade was called at 0223 and the fire was under control by 0419. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Stratford, Leytonstone, Plaistow and Ilford fire stations were at the scene.