Man arrested on suspicion of arson after fire destroys cars at Gatwick Airport parking site
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a huge fire tore through a parking site used by Gatwick Airport travellers in West Sussex, destroying several cars and leaving thousands of homes without power.
Emergency services were called to a significant blaze at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, shortly before 9pm on Saturday, with several cars destroyed as flames ripped through the site used by Gatwick Airport travellers. A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the incident, which drew a large response from fire crews across the region.
Eight fire engines and two water carriers were dispatched to the scene near Crawley as firefighters battled the complex fire that spread across the business park and industrial estate. The scale of the operation reflected the severity of the situation, with crews working through the night to bring the flames under control and prevent further damage to nearby buildings and vehicles.
The blaze also caused significant disruption to the local power supply, with more than 2,000 homes left without electricity as a result of the fire. Utility teams were deployed to restore service to affected residents, while authorities urged people to avoid the area as the emergency response continued into the following morning.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire involved multiple vehicles parked at the site, which is popular among holidaymakers flying from Gatwick Airport. The business park serves as a parking facility for travellers, and the destruction of cars has raised concerns among those who had left vehicles at the site before departing on trips.
Police confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of arson and remained in custody for questioning. Investigators are working to establish the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage, with the scene expected to remain cordoned off while forensic examinations take place.
The incident has prompted renewed attention to fire safety measures at parking facilities near major transport hubs, particularly those operating on business parks and industrial estates where vehicles are stored in close proximity. Local residents reported hearing loud noises and seeing large plumes of smoke rising from the site as the fire took hold.
No injuries have been reported, but the financial impact on vehicle owners is expected to be substantial, with several cars completely destroyed and others damaged by heat and smoke. The business park itself has also suffered structural damage, and it remains unclear when operations at the site will resume.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the fire or suspicious activity in the area before the blaze began to come forward as the investigation continues.
