Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a flat above a shop on Wolverley Street in Bethnal Green.
Part of a second floor flat was destroyed by fire. Ten people left the building before the Brigade arrived. The Brigade's 999 Control Officers gave vital Fire Survival Guidance (FSG) on how to stay safe to residents in a neighbouring flat before firefighters arrived.
The fire was accidental and is believed to be caused by an electrical fault in a hairdryer. One man attempted to tackle the fire himself before the Brigade arrived on scene.
Station Officer John Thompson was at the scene, he said: "Due to smoke logging, residents in a neighbouring flat were not able to pass the communal areas. In this case we recommended shutting doors to help contain the smoke and prevent it spreading to other areas of the building.
"The man who attempted to tackle the fire was lucky not to be seriously hurt. We would like to remind residents if there is a fire, get out, stay out and dial 999."
The Brigade's 999 Control officers received their first call at 0947 and deployed crews from Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Shadwell and Whitechapel fire stations. The incident was under control by 1036.