Around 140 Cars Destroyed in Fire at Gatwick Airport Parking Site

Gatwick Holidaymakers Hit After Fire Destroys 140 Vehicles

Around 140 Cars Destroyed in Fire at Gatwick Airport Parking Site Around 140 vehicles were damaged after a major fire tore through a car park used by passengers flying from Gatwick Airport, leaving motorists returning from holidays facing the loss of their vehicles. The blaze broke out at Caldyne Business Park near Crawley, around eight miles from Gatwick Airport, shortly after 9pm on Saturday 22 August. Holidaymakers Among Those Affected The car park was used by holiday parking operators, meaning some of the vehicles caught in the fire belonged to passengers who had travelled from Gatwick. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said approximately 140 vehicles were damaged, with affected customers advised to contact their parking operator directly. For holidaymakers returning to the UK, the incident meant some were faced with discovering that their cars had been destroyed while they were away. Major Fire Emergency Emergency services described the incident as a “significant and complex” operation. Eight fire engines and water carriers were deployed as crews worked to bring the blaze under control near overhead electricity infrastructure. UK Power Networks had to isolate an overhead power cable while firefighters tackled the fire below. The incident also resulted in power being shut off to the immediate area, affecting more than 2,000 homes and businesses. Businesses Also Damaged The fire caused significant damage beyond the holiday parking area, with two breakdown and recovery businesses also affected. A banger racing team based at the site was also among those to suffer major losses, with the Bears banger racing team saying it had lost everything. The incident therefore caused widespread damage across the business park, affecting both parked vehicles and businesses operating from the site. Man Arrested on Suspicion of Arson Sussex Police confirmed that a 67-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries as police continue investigating how the fire started. Nearby roads were closed as a precaution while emergency services dealt with the incident, and the public was advised to avoid the area. Gatwick Responds to Fire London Gatwick confirmed it was aware of the fire at the unaffiliated third-party parking site. The airport said passengers concerned that their vehicles may have been affected should contact their parking operator directly. Gatwick also stressed that the parking company involved was not endorsed or operated by the airport. With around 140 vehicles damaged and significant disruption caused to the surrounding area, the fire has highlighted the potential impact of a major incident at an airport parking facility. For motorists using airport parking, the immediate advice remains to contact the relevant parking operator if they believe their vehicle may have been affected. The police investigation continues as enquiries are carried out into the circumstances surrounding the blaze.