Six Brighton families were evacuated from their homes after a suspected arson attack.
A police officer who arrived first at the scene was taken to hospital after breathing in smoke from the blaze in The Crestway, Hollingdean.
The officer, who reached the blaze before crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, checked whether anyone was inside the burning property.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Police and firefighters were called to a blaze in a ground floor flat in The Crestway, Brighton, on Monday 25 April at 8.25pm.
“A police officer found smoke pouring from the flat and pushed the door open to see if anyone was trapped.
“He was later treated for slight smoke inhalation in hospital.
“The firefighters then arrived and put out the blaze.
“Six families from neighbouring flats were evacuated.”
A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of committing arson with intent to endanger life. He was given police bail until Wednesday 8 June.
