A major fire tore through a holiday parking facility used by Gatwick Airport travellers, destroying multiple vehicles. A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been released on bail while investigations continue.
Fire at Caldyne Business Park
Emergency services were called to the blaze at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, shortly before 9pm on Saturday, August 22. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service confirmed the fire engulfed a workshop, various vehicles—including electric and heavy goods vehicles—and cylinders.
Several cars caught in the flames belonged to holiday parking services. Affected customers have been urged to contact their operator directly.
Power cut and road closures
UK Power Networks disconnected electricity to over 2,000 properties while emergency teams dealt with the situation, affecting numerous businesses and homes. Surrounding roads were shut as a safety measure.
Vulnerable residents received assistance from West Sussex County Council's Resilience and Emergencies Team, and power has since been reinstated. No casualties were recorded.
Investigation underway
Firefighters remained at the site today, dealing with hotspots, and crews expected to leave later this evening. A joint fire investigation involving West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Sussex Police has commenced.
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 Sussex Police spokesperson stated: "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 information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08.
