Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a fire at a block of flats on Commercial Street in Spitalfields.
Half of a three-roomed flat, on the third floor of the 22-storey building, and part of a flat roof was damaged by the fire. A balcony was destroyed by the fire. One woman was led to safety by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. A further four people were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service. All five people were taken to hospital as a precaution.
There are significant road closures between Commercial Street and Aldgate High Street which are impacting the surrounding area. People are advised to continue to avoid the area if they can.
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as an observation tower to help fight the fire from above.
Control Officers took around 25 calls regarding the blaze. The first was received at 1139 and the fire was under control by 1221. Crews from Shoreditch, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene.
The fire is believed to be accidental and caused by hot works related to repairs being carried out.