People had to flee their homes when a fire broke out at a Sunderland flat.
Firefighters were called to the first floor property on St Lukes Terrace in the Pallion area of the city at 4.11pm on Monday.
Plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the building.
The woman in the flat, above Murtha's Fish Shop, was able to escape in addition to two others believed to be from neighbouring properties.
They have all been assessed at the scene by paramedics but it is not thought any of them needed hospital treatment.
Firefighters used hose reels to douse the flames with the fire being put out by 4.46pm.
It is not known at this stage how the blaze started.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We received a call at 4.11pm to reports of a fire in a flat on St Lukes Terrace in Sunderland.
"We dispatched two crews to the scene with three people self rescued before our arrival.
"Paramedics checked the occupants over at the scene but it is not believed they needed to be taken to hospital.
"Crews were able to put the fire out by 4.46pm and remain on St Lukes Terrace to ensure the safety of the property and surrounding area."
