Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Aberfeldy Square in Poplar.
Part of a flat on the eighth floor of the building was damaged by fire and the balcony and window were destroyed. One person left the property before the Brigade arrived and was assessed on scene for injuries.
Station Commander Paul Sadler, who was at the scene, said: “Crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control.
“The Brigade’s drone, equipped with a thermal imaging camera, was deployed to identify remaining hot spots, allowing crews to fully damp them down.”
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of a cigarette.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "If you're a smoker, 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 which could not only destroy your home but also cost you your life.
“Firefighters recommend that you have a look at our online Home Fire Safety Checker to make sure there are no hidden hazards in your home.
“The online tool will ask you a series of questions that will help us work out the level of risk in your home, or the home of someone you care for. It only takes a few minutes to get tailored advice to keep yourself and loved ones safe from fire.”
The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of 30 calls to the fire at 1606 and sent crews from Poplar, Plaistow, Millwall, Stratford, Shadwell and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 1707. .