A WASHING machine fire drew 25 firefighters to Upper Norwood last night.
A pregnant woman and a man escaped uninjured when their washing machine caught fire at 10.55pm.
The couple were asleep but awoken by their fire alarm, which has only been fitted by firefighters six months ago.
Five fire engines and 25 firefighters were called to the flat in Grenville Court in Lymer Avenue in Upper Norwood.
Thanks to the alarm the couple managed to escape the flat unharmed, although the woman was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
West Norwood Crew Manager Matthew Wright said: "There's not a doubt in my mind that the smoke alarm saved their lives.
"The smoke that comes from melted plastic is very toxic and extremely dangerous, if they hadn't woken up when they did this story could have had tragic consequences.
"The London Fire Brigade fits smoke alarms for free, so if you can't get hold of one yourself, arrange a home fire safety visit and we will come to your home, talk about fire safety, and fit alarms where necessary. As you can see, smoke alarms really do save lives."
To book a home fire safety visit london-fire.gov.uk/homefiresafetyvisit.asp