Firefighters led five people to safety from a fire at a flat above a shop on Rushey Green in Catford.
A mattress on a rear balcony was destroyed by fire. Part of the door and frame to the main entrance was also damaged by the blaze. Around 25 residents left the property before the Brigade arrived and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led a further five residents to safety via an external staircase. Five people were assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews after suffering from smoke inhalation.
The Brigade was called at 2204 and the fire was under control by 2310. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Lewisham, Lee Green and Forest Hill fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental.