Huge blaze at vacation parking website for main UK airport as ‘variety of autos’ broken
Firefighters were tackling a major that is believed to have began at the Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, with a car park believed to be used by Gatwick Airport holidaymakers was also damaged in the blaze
A car park, believed to be primarily used for people going on holiday via Gatwick Airport, was on fire(Image: Eddie Mitchell)
A major blaze has caused chaos at an industrial estate and a popular car park in West Sussex, used by holidaymakers travelling via Gatwick Airport.
Firefighters and police were called to the scene of the fire at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant after 9pm on Saturday (August 22). As well as damage to the area, the incident also forced UK Power Network to shut off power to more than 2,000 homes as they fought the blaze.
The car park is also rumoured to have sustained damage with unconfirmed reports that this includes a number of vehicles parked on the site. The car park is not an official part of Gatwick Airport.
The blaze started at the Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant(Image: Eddie Mitchell)
A 67-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of arson and since been bailed, according to The Argos.
No one was injured in the blaze but both the fire service and police have confirmed cars have been damaged following the incident. Consumers have been advised to contact the operator.
The fire service said its crew still remain at the scene this morning but expect to leave the site later today.
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.”
A spokesperson Sussex Police said: “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.”
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