A large fire tore through a car park used by Gatwick Airport holidaymakers at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, on Saturday 22 August, destroying a workshop, vehicles and cylinders. A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been bailed pending further enquiries. No injuries were recorded.
Blaze at holiday parking site
Emergency services were alerted to the fire at Wallage Lane in Rowfant at 8.56pm on Saturday. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze involved a workshop, vehicles including electric and heavy goods vehicles, and cylinders.
A number of cars engulfed by the flames were part of holiday parking operations. Affected customers have been advised to contact their respective provider directly.
Power cut and road closures
UK Power Networks cut electricity supplies to more than 2,000 properties while fire crews tackled the incident, affecting businesses and homes. Nearby roads were closed as a precautionary measure.
Vulnerable locals were assisted by West Sussex County Council's Resilience and Emergencies Team, and electrical supply has since been restored.
Investigation under way
Fire crews remained at the scene on Monday 24 August damping down hotspots, with personnel anticipated to leave later that day. A joint fire investigation involving West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police has commenced.
A representative from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed: "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 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."
The spokesperson added: "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."
