A specialist smoke alarm with a vibrating sensor alerted a deaf resident who was asleep to a fire.
Firefighters had fitted the alarm at the semi-detached house in Winchester Road, Orpington, this time last year and were called to a fire there on Saturday 14 September.
The occupant, who is profoundly deaf, was alerted to the fire by the smoke alarm which operated a vibrating sensor installed under their mattress.
After being woken by the alarm, they discovered the fire, left the property and called 999. The resident was taken to hospital for minor smoke inhalation and discharged later that day.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “This incident shows just how important it is for everyone to have smoke alarms fitted throughout their home.
“Vulnerable people are especially at risk of fire as they are less able to react and have a reduced ability to escape.
“Fortunately the early actuation of the alarm meant the resident was able to escape with minor smoke inhalation. If the alarm hadn’t been fitted it could have been a very different outcome.
“If you or anyone you know is hard of hearing, please get in touch with us and we can carry out a home fire safety visit free of charge and fit alarms where needed.”
Part of the ground floor of the property was damaged by the fire.
The Brigade was called at 0141 and the fire was under control by 0216. Two fire engines from Orpington Fire Station attended.
The cause of fire is under investigation.