Flames sparked in a fireplace before spreading and causing damage to a house late last night.

Firefighters were called to the property in Chapel Lane, Cootham, at 11.40pm and quickly got to work battling the blaze.

The flames were able to quickly spread and damage a five square metre area inside the house before being brought under control by fire crews.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue crews were called to deal with a fire in Storrington Credit: Eddie Mitchell

West Sussex Fire and Rescue crews were called to deal with a fire in Storrington Credit: Eddie Mitchell

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) teams from Storrington and Worthing attended the scene and found in the fire had originated in the "hearth area" of the house.

The service has since confirmed it was started accidentally.

A spokesman for WSFRS said: "We were called to attend a fire involving a property in Chapel Lane in Cootham at 11.40pm last night.

"Joint Fire Control mobilised firefighters from Storrington Fire Station and two fire engines from Worthing Fire Station to the scene.

"Upon arrival crews found a fire in the hearth area of the building, and firefighters quickly got to work to bring the fire under control.

"They used one hose reel and chimney gear to extinguish the fire, which began accidentally.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue crews were called to deal with a fire in Storrington Credit: Eddie Mitchell

West Sussex Fire and Rescue crews were called to deal with a fire in Storrington Credit: Eddie Mitchell

"Firefighters remained at the scene damping down and used a thermal imaging camera to ensure there were no further hotspots.

"The fire caused up to five square metres of damage, but fortunately there were no casualties as a result of this incident. The crews booked away from the incident at 2.14am."