A major fire tore through a site used as parking for Gatwick Airport, destroying several vehicles. Emergency services responded to the blaze at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, shortly before 9pm on Saturday, 22 August.
Fire details and response
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service confirmed the fire involved a workshop, numerous vehicles — including electric and heavy goods vehicles — and cylinders. Several cars caught in the blaze belonged to holiday parking operators, and affected customers have been advised to contact their provider directly.
Sussex Police stated that a 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and has since been released on bail, pending further enquiries.
Power cuts and road closures
UK Power Networks was forced to cut electricity to more than 2,000 homes while crews battled the blaze, disrupting businesses and residents. Nearby roads were also closed as a precautionary measure.
Vulnerable residents received support from West Sussex County Council's Resilience and Emergencies Team. Power has since been fully restored, and no injuries were reported.
Investigation and ongoing presence
Fire crews remain on site damping down hotspots, with teams hoping to leave later in the afternoon. A joint investigation has been launched by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Sussex Police.
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."
The spokesperson added: "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," the spokesperson continued.
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," the police spokesperson added.
