A couple jumped out of a top floor window to escape a house fire late last night.
Firefighters were called around midnight to the property in Green Lane, Ilford, and it took 40 minutes for the fire to be brought under control.
A couple in their 30s lowered themselves out of a first floor window.
A woman was suffering from smoke inhalation and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The fire badly damaged part of the ground floor.
Early indications suggest that the fire was caused by careless disposal of a cigarette.
London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Cigarettes are the largest cause of fatal fires although they are the reason for just 9 per cent of household blazes.
"It is important that you stub your cigarettes right out when you’ve finished and if you want to make doubly sure pour some water into your ashtray.”
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