Firefighters have issued a reminder to people not to overload plug sockets after a fire at a flat on Zion Place in Thornton Heath.
Most of a three-roomed flat on the ground floor was damaged by the blaze. One man was rescued by the Metropolitan Police Service before the Brigade arrived. Another man was rescued by firefighters. They were both treated on scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews and taken to hospital.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was caused by the overloading of multiple electrical extension leads.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "One of the most common causes of electrical fires is overloaded sockets.
"Some appliances use more power than others, so be mindful of not overloading your extension leads.
"Power-hungry appliances such as kettles, toasters and microwaves shouldn't be on the same extension.
"It's also important to fully unwind drum extensions leads. If you leave them coiled, they can overheat and cause a fire."
The Brigade was called at 0825 and the fire was under control by 0928. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Norbury and Croydon fire stations attended the incident.