A timber roof collapsed as fire swept through an East Sussex bungalow.
Firefighters had to retreat from the four-bedroom building as intense heat and flames engulfed the property last night.
Flames shot 15ft as up to 30 firefighters spent more than three hours trying to bring the blaze under control.
There were fears an elderly man was trapped inside but after an hour he turned up to find the house ablaze in North Lane, Guestling, near Hastings.
It is believed the fire had started in the lounge or kitchen area. Fire officials said the building would have to be demolished.
Sub Officer Tony Perry said: "There was a lot of heat and smoke and it was made even more difficult by the driving wind and rain, which led to the fire spreading more quickly."
A fire investigation officer was returning to the scene today to determine the cause of the fire, although initial inquiries suggest it was accidental.
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