See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JOE ROSSITER, REPORTER Published: 11:43 BST, 24 August 2026 | Updated: 11:56 BST, 24 August 2026
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after around 140 cars were destroyed in a fire near Gatwick airport.Police and fire crew were called to the 'significant and complex' fire in Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, near Crawley, West Sussex, at 8.56pm on Saturday.It is understood the car park is used mainly for travellers going to Gatwick.Huge flames and thick smoke were pictured on Saturday night before a 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson.He was bailed as an investigation continued, Sussex Police said. Eight fire engines and two water carriers brought the blaze under control overnight as more than 2,000 homes had their power cut after the fire damaged high-voltage equipment near the car park.Members of the public have been told to avoid the area as firefighters remained there to 'dampen down hotspots'.West Sussex fire and rescue said its teams were 'hoping' to leave later today. Fire crews battled a large fire near Gatwick airport on Saturday evening, after which a man was arrested on suspicion of arson The 67-year-old man has been bailed as an investigation continues, police said Around 100 cars are believed to have been burned during the fire at a car park mainly used for travellers heading to Gatwick, it is understood (file pic)There are believed to be no casualties from the fire.A spokesman for West Sussex fire and rescue 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.'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 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.'Sussex Police has been contacted for comment.
