Firefighters are issuing a safety warning after a fire at a flat on Wakering Road in Barking.
A small part of a second-floor flat, situated within a ten-storey residential block, was damaged by fire. Around 200 people left the building before firefighters arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by an electric heater being stored too close to a combustible material - a bed.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The rise in energy costs means there’s a very real risk of heating-related fires. We know that people will turn to alternative ways to keep their families warm overnight without turning on the heating, we just want to make sure that people are staying safe at the same time.
“It’s absolutely vital that heaters are kept well away from curtains, furniture, paperwork and are never used to dry clothes. Always sit at least a metre away from the heater as it could set fire to your clothes or your chair, supervise children carefully and position a heater where it won’t be knocked over and away from pets.
"It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure these items are safety registered and in good working order. If you’re using these items around children always supervise them carefully and place heaters somewhere where they won’t be accidentally knocked over and away from anything that could catch fire.
"Firefighters recommend that you have a look at our online Home Fire Safety Checker to make sure there are no hidden hazards in your home. The online tool will ask you a series of questions that will help us work out the level of risk in your home, or the home of someone you care for. It only takes a few minutes to get tailored advice to keep yourself and loved ones safe from fire.”
The Brigade was called at 0922 and the incident was under control by 0958. Crews from Barking and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.