People have been urged to check their fire alarms after residents were alerted and given time to flee safely.
A large house fire in East Harting Street, in East Harting, saw six fire engines attend the scene.
This included firefighters from Chichester, Midhurst, Petworth, and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
Although the flames were rapidly spreading, the alarm alerted the occupier of the home which meant he could evacuate to safety.
The fire took several hours to be extinguished.
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Station Manager, Darren Wickings, said: "This incident highlights how important working smoke alarms are; in this case, the smoke alarm undoubtedly saved the occupier’s life.
"You are 10 times more likely to die in a fire in the home if there is no working smoke alarm, so I would urge everyone reading this to check they have smoke alarms on each floor of their property.
"Smoke alarms should also be tested weekly and replaced every 10 years to ensure they’re working and fit for purpose."
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