Firefighters tackled a flat fire on Avenue Road in Chadwell Heath.
Part of the ground floor flat was damaged by the blaze.
Four people were led to safety by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and a further four people left the property before crews arrived.
The Brigade was called at 0834 and the fire was under control by 0905. Fire crews from Ilford fire station were at the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.