Crews from East Wittering and Chichester were called to a caravan park on Bracklesham Lane at 6:49am on Monday.
Upon arrival of the crews, the caravan was already well alight.
Thankfully, the occupiers, believed to be in their 60s, who were in bed at the time, were woken by the sound of their smoke detector and were able to escape their property unharmed.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using one high pressure hose reel, two jets and one hydrant. The caravan was completely destroyed by fire and the adjacent caravans were slightly damaged by heat.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but is believed to have started accidentally.
Station Commander Marvin Smith who attended the incident said: “The smoke alarm saved the day here. The couple were fast asleep and had it not been for the smoke detector activating and giving them time to escape this incident would have had a very different outcome.
“Without a smoke alarm, a small fire can develop undetected into a much more serious one. We’d urge everyone to test their detectors regularly and make sure they have an escape plan in the event of a fire.
“Don’t forget we fit smoke detectors where appropriate as part of a Home Safety Visit. We prioritise those who are over 65 or at higher risk from fire.”
Original source: The Chichester Observer