Full Breakdown
Massive Fire Ravages Gatwick Holiday-Parking Site at Caldyne Business Park
8/24/2026, 9:41:46 PM
Core Incident
On the evening of August 22, a large fire broke out at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, West Sussex, a car-park used by travellers departing from Gatwick Airport. The blaze started just before 9 p.m., engulfing a workshop, several vehicles—including electric and heavy-goods trucks—and gas cylinders. Firefighters from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service deployed eight fire engines and water carriers, and crews remained on site through August 24 to damp down hotspots. No injuries were reported.
Background & Context
Caldyne Business Park serves as a “holiday-parking” facility for Gatwick passengers. Its proximity to the airport makes it a high-traffic location for motorists leaving the region for vacations.
Data & Statistics
- Vehicles destroyed: Approximately 140 cars.
- Power outage: UK Power Networks isolated an overhead line, cutting electricity to more than 2,000 homes and nearby businesses; power was later restored.
- Arrest: A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and bailed pending further enquiries.
- Emergency response: Eight fire engines, water carriers, and crews from twelve fire stations attended; the incident required a joint investigation by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police.
Official Statements & Responses
- West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire involved a workshop, vehicles and cylinders, and advised affected motorists to contact their parking operator.
- Sussex Police announced the arrest of the suspect and urged the public to provide any information.
- UK Power Networks reported the temporary isolation of the line to protect crews and the subsequent restoration of electricity.
- West Sussex County Council’s Resilience and Emergencies Team assisted vulnerable residents during the outage.
On-the-Ground Reports
The fire’s intensity prompted the closure of nearby roads as a precaution, and neighbourhoods experienced a brief loss of electricity until the line was re-energised.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On Saturday (22 August) at 8.56pm we were alerted to fire at Wallage Lane in Rowfant.” — Rescue Service
- “Rowfant fire Police and fire service colleagues responded to a large fire in Caldyne Business Park, Rowfant, just after 9pm on Saturday 22 August.” — Sussex Police spokesperson
Why It Matters
The loss of holiday-parking vehicles directly impacts travellers who rely on the facility for affordable long-term parking. The power outage affected thousands of households and businesses, highlighting local infrastructure vulnerability to large-scale fires.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently report no casualties, the involvement of a 67-year-old arson suspect, and the scale of property damage. No substantive discrepancies were identified.
What’s Next
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police continue a joint investigation. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the police online or call 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08. The investigation remains open, and fire crews will monitor the site for any remaining hotspots.
