Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers were called to a fire at a house in Forest Road, Leytonstone.
The roof and first floor of the terraced house were destroyed by the fire and most of the ground floor was damaged. Two adjoining houses, one which was converted into flats, were also damaged.
Two adults and four children left the flats in the adjoining property before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 1620 and the fire was under control at 1908.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.