The short version
- A 67-year-old man has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of arson following a large fire at a car park near Gatwick Airport.
- The incident destroyed roughly 140 vehicles, many belonging to holidaymakers using off-site parking, and caused power cuts affecting over 2,000 homes and businesses.
- Emergency crews described the operation as complex due to proximity to overhead power lines, while local automotive businesses reported total losses of inventory and equipment.
A major fire that erupted at a business park near Gatwick Airport on Saturday night has led to the arrest of a man on suspicion of arson. The blaze, which occurred just after 9 p.m. at the Caldyne site near Crawley, resulted in the destruction of approximately 140 vehicles and caused significant collateral damage to nearby commercial properties. Sussex Police confirmed that a 67-year-old suspect was taken into custody but has since been released on bail while investigators continue their inquiries into the cause and origin of the flames.
The incident has created substantial distress for travelers who had parked their cars at the facility, which is used by passengers flying out of Gatwick. Many of the affected individuals were returning from summer holidays to find their vehicles destroyed. London Gatwick Airport clarified that the parking site is an unaffiliated third-party operation and is neither endorsed nor managed by the airport authority. Passengers concerned about the status of their vehicles have been advised to contact their specific parking operators directly for assistance and claims processing.
Emergency services faced a challenging response scenario due to the location and intensity of the fire. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service described the operation as significant and complex, deploying eight fire engines along with water carriers to bring the blaze under control. A critical complication arose when flames threatened overhead power lines, forcing UK Power Networks to isolate an electricity cable in the area. This precautionary measure led to power cuts affecting more than 2,000 homes and businesses in the surrounding region, compounding the disruption caused by the fire itself.
Beyond the loss of passenger vehicles, the fire inflicted severe damage on local automotive enterprises operating at the site. Two breakdown and recovery businesses, Autocovery and K&L Automotive, reported significant losses. These companies had previously donated abandoned vehicles to fire stations across West Sussex for training purposes, meaning the incident has also impacted local emergency preparedness resources. Additionally, the Bears banger racing team stated that they lost everything in the blaze, prompting a fundraiser to help cover their total financial loss.
The scale of the destruction was evident in images showing enormous plumes of smoke rising from the site and vehicles engulfed in flames close to infrastructure lines. Roads near the Caldyne business park were closed as a precautionary measure during the height of the emergency response. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while crews worked to extinguish remaining hotspots and assess structural safety. The proximity of the fire to major transport infrastructure heightened concerns about potential wider disruptions, although no direct impact on airport flight operations was reported.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with police appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or noticed unusual events prior to the blaze. The arrest of the 67-year-old man marks a key development in the case, though authorities have not yet confirmed whether he will face formal charges. The bail status indicates that further evidence gathering is required before any legal proceedings can advance. Police have provided a serial number for those wishing to submit tips online or via telephone.
The economic and personal toll of the incident extends beyond immediate property damage. For holidaymakers, the loss of a vehicle represents not only a financial burden but also significant logistical hurdles at the end of their trips. Local businesses face uncertain recovery timelines, particularly given the total loss of inventory for some operators. The disruption to power supply further complicated efforts to secure the scene and assist affected residents and workers in the immediate vicinity.
As cleanup operations continue, the focus remains on supporting victims and determining the full extent of the damage. The complexity of the fire suppression effort underscores the risks associated with large-scale vehicle fires near critical infrastructure. While the immediate danger has passed, the investigation into potential arson will likely take time to resolve. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in third-party service providers linked to major transport hubs.
Community support efforts have begun to emerge in response to the losses suffered by local groups and individuals. The fundraising initiative for the banger racing team highlights the broader impact on community organizations that rely on such facilities. As authorities finalize their initial assessment, the region awaits further updates regarding the investigation's progress and any potential charges against the suspect.
The event has drawn attention to safety protocols at large parking facilities near airports. While Gatwick Airport maintains strict security standards for its own premises, third-party operators may vary in their risk management practices. The incident raises questions about fire prevention measures and emergency preparedness at such sites, particularly those located near power lines and residential areas. Regulatory bodies may review the event to determine if any safety guidelines were overlooked.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Man arrested on suspicion of arson after fire at car park used by Gatwick passengers
