A pregnant woman was rescued from a flat fire today.

The woman was taken from the second-floor flat and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation with an oxygen mask, in High Street, Barkingside, near Hobart Road today.

Two other people had already left the premises and a small section of the kitchen was damaged. 

Four fire engines and 21 firefighters were sent to the scene at around 10.30am and the fire was brought under control at around 12.30pm.

Station Manager Ronald Bates said: “Incidents like this one show how important it is to ensure that everyone living in a purpose built block of flats or a high rise know what do to if there is a fire. 

“Living in a flat is not more dangerous than living in a house, but it’s important to know that your fire plan should be different. 

"If there is a fire elsewhere in the block but not inside your flat you’re usually safer staying in your flat unless heat or smoke is affecting you.

"If you leave your flat you could be rushing into choking smoke, the fire itself or firefighters using equipment to bring the fire under control in another part of the building.

“I would urge everyone who lives in a flat or purpose built block to ensure they know the plan.”