A woman was rescued from a Barking care home when a blaze broke out yesterday.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called at about 4.10pm on October 16 to extinguish the fire on Ripple Road.
It is believed to have started accidentally by the “unsafe disposal of smoking materials”, the LFB said.
Half of a two-roomed flat on the second floor was damaged, with some 15 residents being led to safety.
One woman was rescued through an internal stairwell before being taken to hospital.
Crews from Barking, Ilford and East Ham fire stations had put the flames out by just after 5.30pm.
A LFB spokesperson said: “Giving up smoking can not only prevent fires, but the health benefits are countless.
“We’d rather you didn’t smoke at all, but if you are 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 properties but also cost you your life.”