Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a fire at a flat on Tweed Walk in Tower Hamlets.
A sixth floor balcony was destroyed by the fire and a small part of the flat was damaged. A sprinkler head which activated in the flat stopped the fire spreading further inside. Part of the neighbouring balcony was also damaged.
Two people left the property before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was caused by the unsafe disposal of a cigarette.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Incidents like this show how important it is to safely dispose of your cigarettes.
"It’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.
"If you don’t, you risk causing a fire that could destroy not only your home, but also cost you your life.
"Fortunately, the sprinklers fitted in the property stopped the fire from spreading inside and causing further damage.”
The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took 23 calls to the blaze.
The Brigade was called at 1056 and the fire was under control by 1258. Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters from Stratford, Whitechapel, Homerton, Leytonstone, Dowgate and Bethnal Green fire stations were at the scene.