A man has been taken to hospital after being rescued from a flat fire in Woolwich.

The fire broke out at 9.50pm on Sunday (November 24) in Masons Hill, damaging part of a first-floor flat.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued the man from the building, and he was later taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

The fire is believed to have been caused by the unsafe disposal of cigarettes.

Crews from East Greenwich, Eltham, and Lee Green fire stations responded to the incident, which was over by 10.47pm.

Following the fire, firefighters issued a reminder about the importance of smoking safety.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "If you're a smoker, it’s absolutely vital you ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.

“If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.

“Firefighters recommend that you have a look at our online Home Fire Safety Checker to make sure there are no hidden hazards in your home.

"The online tool will ask you a series of questions that will help us work out the level of risk in your home, or the home of someone you care for.

“It only takes a few minutes to get tailored advice to keep yourself and loved ones safe from fire.”

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters have issued a reminder of their smoking safety advice following a fire at a block of flats on Masons Hill in Woolwich.

“Part of a first floor flat was damaged by the fire.

“One man was rescued from the building by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

“The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe disposal of cigarettes."