An unconscious woman and her dog were rescued from a burning flat this morning.

Fire fighters, wearing breathing apparatus, saved the woman and her Staffordshire Bull Terrier from the fire, in Maskell Road, just before 6am.

The woman passed out due to smoke inhalation and was treated by the London Ambulance Service. 

Part of her ground floor flat was destroyed by fire.

Watch manager Kirk Williams, who was at the scene, said: “The flat was heavily smoke logged. We advised other occupants in the block to stay in their flats and to put something up against the door to stop the smoke seeping in, as they were safer in their properties. We then checked on them once the fire was out.

“Living in a flat is not more dangerous than living in a house, but it’s important to know your fire plan should be different. Flats and maisonettes are built to give you some protection from fire – a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 60. Walls, floors and doors will hold back flames and smoke for a time.

“If you leave your flat you could be rushing into choking smoke, the fire itself or firefighters using equipment to bring the fire under control in another part of the building.”

The fire was brought under control by 6.20am. Two fire engines and 10 fire fighters from Tooting fire station attended the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

For advice on fire prevention visit: www.knowtheplan.co.uk.

Did you see the fire? Call the newsdesk on 0208 722 6344 or email ssleigh@london.newsquest.co.uk