A man and woman were rescued by firefighters from a fire in a three storey block of flats on Nevill Road in Stoke Newington this afternoon.
The fire crews arrived on the scene within three minutes of the first 999 call.
A second floor flat was destroyed by the blaze.
The man was rescued from the balcony of a neighbouring flat by firefighters using a ladder. The woman was rescued from inside the building by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus. Both were suffering from smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
Watch Manager at Stoke Newington fire station Graham Rooney, who was at the scene said: “A neighbour raised the alarm when they saw smoke coming out of the back of the flat.
“When we arrived on Nevill Road, we were directed to the flat by members of the public.
“I could see smoke billowing out of the back window and a man was shouting from the balcony in one of the neighbouring flats. The fire crews acted quickly and used a ladder to rescue him.
“Another fire crew wearing breathing apparatus entered the flat to see if there was anyone else in the property. Fortunately, they were able to rescue a woman who was in one of the bedrooms.”
The Brigade was called at 1218 and the fire was under control by 1323.
Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and from Stoke Newington, Homerton and East Greenwich fire stations attended.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.