Firefighters rescued a soot-covered cat from a house fire in Lewisham and gave him oxygen to bring him back to life.
Half of the ground floor of a terraced house on Ewhurst Road was damaged by the fire. Two people left the property before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
Two cats had also escaped before crews arrived, but firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a third from inside the lounge. 'Buttons' was suffering from smoke inhalation but by giving him oxygen they were able to bring him back round and the owners took him to the vet, where he was described as doing well.
Firefighter Steve Gilbert, who was at the scene, said: "We gave Buttons oxygen for about 10 minutes and he was completely covered in soot, he was quite lucky.
"It was a very well developed fire when we arrived but fortunately the occupants were alerted by the smoke alarms and were able to get out, so this should serve as a reminder about how important it is to have smoke alarms fitted throughout your home."
The Brigade was called at 0830 and the fire was under control by 0916. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Lewisham, Forest Hill, Lee Green and East Greenwich fire stations attended.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.