Major Fire Near Gatwick Disrupts Airport Parking

Gatwick Airport Parking Site Hit by Major Business Park Fire

Major Fire Near Gatwick Airport Disrupts Airport Parking and Local Businesses A major fire at Caldyne Business Park near Gatwick Airport has caused widespread disruption, damaging vehicles and leaving more than 2,000 homes and businesses without electricity. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to the industrial estate in Rowfant shortly after 9pm on Saturday, with eight fire engines deployed as firefighters tackled the rapidly spreading blaze. Fire Causes Major Disruption The fire continued through the night as emergency crews worked to bring it under control. Footage from the scene showed flames rising above nearby electricity pylons, highlighting the scale of the incident and the risks faced by firefighters dealing with the blaze. UK Power Networks cut electricity supplies to more than 2,000 properties while firefighters dealt with the danger, leaving homes and businesses without power. By Sunday, the extent of the damage was becoming clearer, with rows of cars at a holiday parking facility reportedly scorched by the fire. Other vehicles were left covered in smoke, while high-voltage electrical equipment was also reportedly damaged during the incident. Gatwick Airport Parking Affected Caldyne Business Park is used by travellers looking for airport parking before flying from Gatwick Airport. The damage has therefore caused disruption for motorists who use the area to leave their vehicles while travelling, as well as businesses operating from the industrial estate. Several cars were damaged in the incident, while roads close to the site remained closed as a precaution. The combination of vehicle damage, road closures and disruption to electricity supplies has created difficulties for businesses based at the estate. Man Arrested on Suspicion of Arson West Sussex Police confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of arson as investigators work to establish how the fire began. The man was taken into custody while detectives continued their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blaze. No casualties have been reported. Police are now appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity around the site around the time of the incident. Investigation Continues Anyone with information is being asked to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08. The investigation will seek to establish how the fire started and determine the circumstances surrounding the damage to vehicles, property and electrical infrastructure. The incident demonstrates the wider disruption that a major fire at a commercial site close to an airport can cause. For airport parking customers, the impact can extend beyond damaged vehicles, with road closures and disruption potentially affecting access to parking facilities and travel plans. For local residents and businesses, the incident has also highlighted how damage to essential infrastructure can create significant disruption across the surrounding area.