A FIRE that destroyed a house was an accident, emergency services have said.

A thatched roof property in Sea Lane, Middleton, near Bognor, was devastated by a fire yesterday.

Firefighters carried out inspections today and determined that the cause of the fire was an accident.

One man was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and minor burns.

The size of the fire required engines from Bognor, Chichester, Littlehampton, Shoreham and Worthing along with a water carrier from Burgess Hill.

An off-road vehicle was also sent in from Haywards Heath.

Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended the scene.

The fire was rapidly spreading when firefighters arrived, but they used water jets, hose reels and compressed air foam to put out it out.

They also managed to protect surrounding properties from damage.

Firefighters monitored the situation throughout the night, extinguishing any hotspots.

Video of the fire here: 

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "We received a call to reports of a thatched roof property on fire in Sea Lane, Middleton-on-sea at 2.28pm on Tuesday, 10 August.

"Joint Fire Control mobilised fire engines from Bognor Regis, Chichester, Littlehampton, Shoreham and Worthing to the scene along with the Water Carrier from Burgess Hill and the incident command unit and an off-road vehicle from Haywards Heath.

"Upon arrival, crews were faced with a well-developed and rapidly spreading fire in the roof space and a first-floor bedroom of the building.

"Firefighters used main jets, hose reels and compressed air foam to fight the fire and protect surrounding properties.

"They remained in attendance throughout the night, monitoring and extinguishing further hotspots.

"A reinspection was carried out first thing this morning, and a further reinspection will be carried out at 12pm today.

"The cause of the fire is accidental."

South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed it had taken one man to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester for treatment.

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