Firefighters are urging people to get out, stay out and call 999 if a fire breaks out in their home after a woman suffered smoke inhalation and minor burns after trying to tackle a maisonette fire on Navestock Crescent, in Woodford Green.

Woodford Watch Manager Graeme O’Hara, who was at the scene, said: “The good news is that the property was fitted with smoke alarms that alerted the two women and two children, who promptly left the property and called 999.

“One of the women decided to go back into the flat to tackle the fire, was quickly overwhelmed, but thankfully firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued her. She was then treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

“Our message is simple: get out and stay out, call 999!”

Most of maisonette on the second and third floor was damaged by fire.

The Brigade was called at 0339 and the fire was under control at 0447. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Woodford, Chingford and Walthamstow fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.