Firefighters have issued a smoking safety reminder after a flat fire is believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette in Highgate Road, Gospel Oak.
Part of a flat on the third floor was damaged by the fire. Firefighters led one man to safety from the third floor. He was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering smoke inhalation.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials, such as a cigarette or matches.
Watch Manager Russell Darnborough, who was at the scene, said: "Crews were faced with a well developed fire when they arrived and worked worked hard to stop it spreading.
“There was no smoke detection in the property so this shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of your home.
“Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts and we would urge everyone to make sure they have one fitted in every room where there is a risk of a fire starting, except kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms are more appropriate.
"It also shows it's vital to ensure your cigarette is completely out when you've finished smoking it.
"We'd rather people didn't smoke at all but if you do, vaping is a safer option.
"If your cigarettes are not out properly, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life."
The Brigade was called at 2134 and the fire was under control at 2228. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Kentish Town, Holloway and Euston fire stations attended the scene.