Firefighters led five people to safety from a flat fire on Romford Road in Manor Park.
Half of a three-roomed flat on the ground floor of a converted terraced house was damaged by fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led five people to safety via an internal staircase using fire escape hoods. They were all assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
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 0515 and the fire was under control by 0601. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Stratford, Walthamstow and East Ham fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.