Firefighters rescued a woman yesterday when a house went up in flames in Lewisham.

Neighbours called the London Fire Brigade at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, February, 10 when they heard the smoke alarm going off at a nearby house in Leahurst Road.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus helped the woman to safety, before she was taken to hospital by paramedics suffering from smoke inhalation.

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Part of the ground floor of the house was damaged by the fire, which is thought to have been caused by combustible materials being left too close to a heat source.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “It is great that a working smoke alarm alerted neighbours to the fire and saved the occupant. It is a reminder for everyone to have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their home.

“Shockingly over two thirds of fatal fires involving heaters are caused by clothing or furniture being too close.

“People need to ensure their portable heaters are standing upright and kept well away from clothes, curtains or furniture.”

Two fire engines from Lewisham and Greenwich stations attended the blaze which was under control at 1.53pm.