A major fire at a holiday parking site near Gatwick Airport has destroyed or damaged around 140 vehicles, prompting a large emergency response and the arrest of a 67-year-old man on suspicion of arson.
Emergency services were called to Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, near Crawley, West Sussex, at around 8:56 p.m. Saturday after reports of a significant fire. Huge flames and thick smoke could be seen rising from the site as firefighters worked through the night to bring the blaze under control.
Eight fire engines and two water carriers were deployed to tackle the fire. Fire crews remained at the scene to dampen down hotspots and prevent the flames from reigniting.
The car park is understood to be primarily used by travellers leaving their vehicles while flying from Gatwick Airport, although the airport does not operate the facility. The incident therefore left numerous holidaymakers facing the loss or serious damage of their vehicles.
The fire also damaged nearby high-voltage electrical equipment, resulting in power cuts affecting more than 2,000 homes in the surrounding area.
Sussex Police confirmed that a 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and later released on bail while the investigation continues. Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid the area as emergency crews remain on site.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established, and the investigation remains ongoing.