A major fire at an industrial estate and car park in West Sussex, used by holidaymakers travelling via Gatwick Airport, has caused significant disruption. Firefighters and police were called to the blaze at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant after 9pm on Saturday (August 22).
Power cut and vehicle damage
The incident forced UK Power Network to shut off power to more than 2,000 homes as crews fought the blaze. The car park is also reported to have sustained damage, with unconfirmed reports that a number of vehicles parked on the site were affected.
A man has since been arrested on suspicion of arson and has been taken into custody, according to The Argos.
Fire service statement
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."
Police response
Earlier, Sussex Police said: "Power has been shut off to the immediate area, affecting a number of businesses and homes, and nearby roads remain closed as a precaution.
"A number of cars have also been damaged at a site used for holiday parking.
"Any affected consumers are advised to contact their operator directly."
