Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Dunloe Street in Hackney.
The 12th floor of a split-level maisonette was destroyed by fire and part of the staircase from the 11th to the 12th floor was also damaged. Two children were taken to hospital.
Station Commander Stephen Irvine, who was at the scene, said: “Crews worked swiftly to contain the fire to the affected flat and bring the incident under control.
“Drones were deployed to survey the incident from above, providing live images and thermal imagery. This gave Incident Commanders a vital aerial view, helping them develop effective tactics and assess the area.
“Firefighters remained on scene throughout the night damping down remaining hot spots.
“Residents affected by the incident were supported at a local rest centre.”
The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 33 calls to the fire at 1920 and sent crews from Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Islington, Stoke Newington and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 2020.
The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical incident, however, the specific cause remains undetermined.