Firefighters fought a blaze at a ground floor flat in Southwater this lunch-time (Thursday November 6).
Crews from Storrington and Horsham were called at about 11.15am to the home in College Road.
A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue said no one was injured but the flat was badly damaged in the blaze.
They added that the fire was started by a washing machine left on while the occupier was out.