Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire on Cassilis Road on the Isle of Dogs.
Part of a third-floor flat in an eight-storey residential block was damaged by fire. One woman was led to safety via an internal staircase wearing a fire escape hood. Eight further people left the building before firefighters arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.
The Brigade was called at 2122 and the fire was brought under control by 2224. Crews from Bethnal Green, Millwall, Shadwell and Whitechapel fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.