Three residents escaped the blaze after one of them got up to go to the toilet and smelled smoke.
They immediately called 999 and helped their relatives evacuate the building.
Four fire engines and 25 firefighters were called to the area at 4.29am this morning to put out the fire.
“This incident is timely reminder about the importance of having smoke alarms in your home,” said Watch Manager David Southam.
“As a minimum, you should have smoke alarms on every floor of your home – in the hallways and the rooms you use the most plus a heat alarm in the bathroom and kitchen.”
It happened at a house converted into flats in Barking Road, East Ham.
Traffic has now eased and the road has been completely reopened.
The A124 Barking Road was closed in both directions from the junction by Keppel Road, near the East Ham town hall, to Wall End Road in Dagenham.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Tags: Newham, Barking and Dagenham
