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A devastating fire at a holiday parking lot near Gatwick Airport has left more than 140 vehicles destroyed, with police confirming an arson arrest. The blaze, which broke out on the evening of August 22, sent flames roaring through the Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, near Crawley, and required eight fire engines and two water carriers to bring under control.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service responded to the 999 call shortly before 9 pm. Crews battled the fire overnight, while UK Power Network cut electricity to the immediate area to prevent further hazards. Nearby roads were closed as a precaution. As of August 25, fire crews remain on site, monitoring hotspots and assisting investigators.
The fire destroyed a workshop, multiple vehicles including electric cars and heavy goods vehicles, and industrial cylinders. The majority of the damaged cars were parked at a site used by travelers flying from Gatwick Airport. Although the lot is not directly operated by the airport, it serves passengers seeking affordable long-term parking.
A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries. A joint investigation has been launched by West Sussex Fire and Rescue and Sussex Police, with forensic teams examining the scene to determine the exact cause and origin of the blaze.
Firefighters faced significant challenges due to the density of vehicles and the presence of electric vehicles, which can reignite after being extinguished. The fire service confirmed that a number of gas cylinders on site were also involved, adding to the complexity of the operation. No casualties were reported, a fact that officials described as fortunate given the scale of the fire.
Local residents and nearby businesses experienced a temporary loss of electricity on Saturday night, August 23, as an overhead power line needed to be isolated to allow fire crews to work safely. Power was restored the following morning.
A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service stated: "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. Approximately 140 vehicles were damaged, and a number of the vehicles involved in this fire were parked at a site used for holiday parking. Any affected consumers are advised to contact their parking operator directly."
The impact on travelers is substantial. Many who left their cars at the lot while away on holiday now face the loss of their vehicles and the inconvenience of arranging alternative transport home. Insurance experts recommend that affected customers check their travel insurance or comprehensive car insurance policies, as coverage for fire damage may be included. Those who booked through third-party parking platforms should also contact the operator for compensation and documentation for insurance claims.
The Caldyne Business Park, located in a semi-rural area between Crawley and East Grinstead, has been used for vehicle storage and light industrial purposes for years. This incident has raised questions about fire safety standards at informal parking lots that cater to airport travelers. Local residents have expressed concerns about the proximity of such storage facilities to residential areas.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that further updates will be provided as evidence is analyzed. The fire service also plans to issue safety advice for operators of parking and storage facilities, particularly regarding the storage of electric vehicles and gas cylinders.
The blaze is one of the largest vehicle fires in the region in recent years. In 2022, a similar fire at a car park near Luton Airport destroyed dozens of vehicles, prompting calls for stricter regulations. The Gatwick incident is likely to reignite debate about the safety of unregulated holiday parking operations.
As the cleanup continues, crews are working to remove damaged vehicles and debris. The site remains cordoned off, and the public is advised to avoid the area. Sussex Police have urged anyone with information or dashcam footage from the night of August 22 to come forward.
For travelers whose cars were destroyed, the immediate priority is to secure alternative transportation and file insurance claims. Parking operators are expected to provide lists of affected vehicle registrations to assist with identification. The fire service has confirmed that no hazardous materials are believed to have been released into the environment, though air quality monitoring was conducted as a precaution.
The investigation will also examine whether the fire was linked to any electrical fault, deliberate act, or external factors. The arrested man's bail conditions have not been disclosed, but police have stated that other lines of inquiry are being pursued.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with large-scale vehicle storage, particularly when electric vehicles and gas cylinders are present. Fire safety experts recommend that parking operators install fire suppression systems, maintain clear spacing between vehicles, and ensure easy access for emergency services.
The Gatwick Airport authority has not issued a formal statement, but a spokesperson for the airport confirmed that the parking lot is not affiliated with the airport's own official parking services. Travelers are reminded to use only accredited parking providers listed on the airport's website.
As the story develops, local news outlets will continue to report on the investigation's progress and the impact on affected travelers. For now, the focus remains on the fire service's ongoing presence at the scene and the police's efforts to establish the full circumstances of the blaze.
