Seven fire engines attended a blaze that spread through three storeys of a derelict house.

Firefighters were called to the derelict house in Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath, yesterday afternoon at around 3.30pm.

They climbed ladders and were inside the top floor putting the fire out as smoke billowed from the building.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said there were "multiple fires spread over three floors".

The Argus: Firefighters in the top floor putting the blaze outFirefighters in the top floor putting the blaze out (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

It comes after a huge fire in November last year at a nearby derelict care home.

A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 3.31pm to a fire involving a derelict property Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath.

“Joint fire control mobilised seven fire engines from Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Crawley, Worthing and East Grinstead, as well as crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to the scene.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently tackling multiple fires spread over three floors at the derelict property.

“There are a number of emergency service vehicles in attendance, and we would urge people to avoid the area to allow firefighters to work safely.”

Crews confirmed they were still in attendance at around 6.30pm but the fire was understood to be calming down.