Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a man from a fire at a block of flats on Park Lane in Hornchurch, yesterday evening (25th November).
The man was treated for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital.
The fire affected a four roomed flat on the ground floor, leaving the kitchen damaged by heat and smoke. Fire investigators believe the fire was caused by a pan of oil being left unattended on the hob.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Around 60 per cent of accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen. Taking a few simple measures can make all the difference. Avoid leaving cooking unattended; ovens or hobs being accidentally left on are also a concern, as are chip pans and items left too close to cookers. Check toasters are clean and placed away from anything that can catch fire, and be careful to keep the oven, hob, cooker hood and grill clean to avoid a build up of fat and grease, which could ignite and cause a fire."
Two fire engines and around ten firefighters and officers from Hornchurch and Romford fire stations attended the incident.
The Brigade was called at 1908 and the fire was under control at 2005. The cause of the fire is under investigation.