Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a flat on Blendon Terrace in Plumstead.
Most of a flat on the third floor of a 13-storey block was damaged by the fire. Crews found a woman in the flat who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued one man via an internal staircase. He was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering smoke inhalation.
The Brigade was called at 0353 and the fire was under control by 0452. Fire crews from East Greenwich, Eltham, Erith, Lee Green, East Greenwich and Plumstead fire stations were at the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.