Six crews from across east London were called out to a house fire which spread to the property next door last night.
Firefighters from East Ham, Barking, Stratford, Plaistow and Dagenham were called at 11pm to the blaze in Caledon Road, in East Ham,
The fire, which began in the loft of the first property, caused extensive damage.
None of the three occupants of the property were injured in the blaze which was brought under control at half-past midnight.
Stephen Chaplin, watch manager and incident commander, from Barking Fire Station, said: “It highlights the importance of having a working smoke alarm fitted.
“The occupant was downstairs watching TV when she heard the smoke alarm go off. She got up and discovered the fire and dialled 999.
“If she had not heard the smoke alarm or it had not been working, the fire would have had time to spread further.
“The working smoke alarm is the reason the fire was discovered early.”
Mr Chaplin urged residents who don’t have a smoke alarm to get in touch with the Fire Brigade and get one fitted.
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