Massive fire rips through parking site used by Gatwick Airport as cars destroyed

A major fire tore through a Gatwick Airport holiday parking site in West Sussex, destroying several cars and cutting power to more than 2,000 homes

A massive blaze has torn through a well-known parking facility used by holidaymakers departing from Gatwick Airport, leaving multiple vehicles destroyed in its wake. Emergency crews rushed to tackle the substantial and challenging fire at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, shortly before 9pm on Saturday 22 August.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service confirmed the blaze engulfed a workshop, various vehicles (including electric and heavy goods vehicles), and cylinders. Several cars caught in the flames belonged to holiday parking services, and those impacted have been told to get in touch with their operator directly.

Sussex Police confirmed a 67-year-old man was detained on suspicion of arson. He has been released on bail while further investigations continue.

UK Power Networks had to disconnect electricity to over 2,000 properties while firefighters dealt with the incident, impacting numerous businesses and households, and surrounding roads were shut as a safety measure.

Vulnerable residents received support from West Sussex County Council’s Resilience and Emergencies Team, and power has now been reinstated. No casualties were reported, reports the Express.

Firefighting teams are still on site today extinguishing remaining hotspots, with crews expecting to depart later today. A combined fire investigation involving West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Sussex Police has been initiated.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “On Saturday (22 August) at 8.56pm we were alerted to fire at Wallage Lane in Rowfant.

“Crews have been at the scene since the initial 999 call, responding to a significant and complex fire involving a workshop, vehicles (including electric and heavy goods vehicles), and cylinders.

“A number of vehicles involved in this fire were parked at a site used for holiday parking. Any affected consumers are advised to contact their operator directly.

“On Saturday night local residents and nearby businesses experienced a temporary loss of electricity as an overhead power line needed to be isolated. Vulnerable customers were supported by West Sussex County Council’s Resilience and Emergencies Team, and the electricity supply has since been restored.

“Fire crews have been at the scene this morning (24 August) damping down hotspots, and we are hoping to leave the scene later on today.

“Fortunately there were no casualties as a result of this fire.

“A joint fire investigation is now ongoing with Sussex Police. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08.”

Meanwhile, officers are urging members of the public to stay away from the area.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Rowfant fire Police and fire service colleagues responded to a large fire in Caldyne Business Park, Rowfant, just after 9pm on Saturday 22 August. Power was shut off to the immediate area, affecting a number of businesses and homes, and nearby roads were closed as a precaution.

“A number of cars were damaged at a site used for holiday parking. Any affected consumers are advised to contact their operator directly.

“Emergency services remain on scene at this time and the public are advised to avoid the area. A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson.

“He has since been bailed, pending further enquiries. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08.”

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