A major fire has broken out at a holiday parking site and industrial estate near Gatwick Airport, with several vehicles damaged and a man arrested on suspicion of arson.
The blaze erupted at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, shortly after 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, prompting a major emergency response. Eight fire engines and two water carriers were sent to the scene as firefighters battled what was described as a significant and complex fire.
The site is used by businesses and also provides parking for people travelling through London Gatwick Airport, meaning the fire has caused particular concern among motorists and holidaymakers who may have left vehicles there while travelling abroad. Several cars were reportedly damaged in the blaze.
The fire also affected high-voltage electrical equipment. As a safety precaution, UK Power Networks disconnected electricity to more than 2,000 homes, while nearby roads were closed and residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut because of smoke.
Gatwick Airport Fire and Arson Investigation
Sussex Police have arrested a 67-year-old man on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue. The arrest does not mean that he has been charged, and the circumstances surrounding how the fire started remain under investigation.
Police have continued to advise members of the public to avoid the affected area while emergency services deal with the aftermath. The power interruption and road closures have also affected businesses and residents in the immediate vicinity.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in connection with the fire.
The scale of the blaze meant firefighters had to work across a substantial area of the industrial site. Reports indicate that numerous vehicles were damaged, while local businesses and other occupants of the site have been left assessing the consequences of the fire.
For Gatwick passengers, the incident has understandably raised questions about airport access and vehicles left at nearby parking facilities. The fire occurred at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, rather than inside one of Gatwick Airport’s terminal buildings. London Gatwick’s own information confirms that the airport has separate official parking facilities located on the airport campus.
This distinction is important because there is currently no indication that the fire was inside the Gatwick Airport terminal complex itself.
The incident has nevertheless created disruption around the airport area, particularly for businesses, residents and people whose vehicles may have been parked at the affected site.
Authorities are expected to continue examining the scene as part of the investigation into the suspected arson. Investigators will also assess the extent of the property and vehicle damage and determine how the fire began.
Anyone with relevant information, CCTV footage or other evidence may be asked to assist Sussex Police with the investigation.
The Gatwick-area fire remains a developing incident, but authorities have confirmed a major blaze at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, several damaged vehicles, significant emergency activity and the arrest of a 67-year-old man on suspicion of arson. No casualties have been reported.