Published: 11:43 BST, 24 August 2026 | Updated: 18:00 BST, 24 August 2026
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after around 140 cars were destroyed in a fire near Gatwick Airport.
Police and fire crew were called to the 'significant and complex' fire in Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, near Crawley, West Sussex, at 8.56pm on Saturday.
It is understood the car park is used mainly for travellers going to Gatwick, though the airport does not operate it.
Huge flames and thick smoke were pictured on Saturday night before a 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson.
He was bailed as an investigation continued, Sussex Police said.
Eight fire engines and two water carriers brought the blaze under control overnight as more than 2,000 homes had their power cut after the fire damaged high-voltage equipment near the car park.
Members of the public have been told to avoid the area as firefighters remained there to 'dampen down hotspots'.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue said its teams were 'hoping' to leave later today.
Around 100 cars are believed to have been burned during the fire at a car park mainly used for travellers heading to Gatwick, it is understood
Fire crews battled a large fire near Gatwick Airport on Saturday evening, after which a man was arrested on suspicion of arson
The 67-year-old man has been bailed as an investigation continues, police said
A London Gatwick spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'We are aware of a fire at an unaffiliated third-party car parking site, which occurred on Saturday evening, and understand how concerning and distressing this will be for any passengers whose vehicles may have been affected.
'We are advising any passengers who are concerned that their vehicle might have been affected to call the police on 101.
'The parking company is not endorsed or operated by London Gatwick.'
