A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a huge fire ripped through a holiday parking site and industrial estate near Gatwick Airport.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue were called to the scene at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant just after 9pm on Saturday (August 22).
UK Power Network was forced to shut off power to more than 2,000 homes while eight fire engines tackled the blaze through the night.
Footage on social media showed the blaze raging over the top of electricity pylons, while the aftermath showed rows of scorched cars and vehicles shrouded in smoke.
A total of 140 cars were destroyed in the blaze, according to reports.
A man has since been arrested on suspicion of arson and taken into custody.
The site is primarily used for people parking their cars on their way to Gatwick Airport. It is not operated by London Gatwick nor is it affiliated with the airport.
According to reports, 140 cars and high voltage equipment are believed to have been damaged in the fire.
However, no casualties have been reported.
One social media user said the “devastating fire” destroyed the livelihoods of many, including a car breakdown and recovery business based at the site.
Emergency services remained on scene until Sunday evening, according to local reports.
At the time of the blaze, West Sussex Police said in a statement: “Power has been shut off to the immediate area, affecting a number of businesses and homes, and nearby roads remain closed as a precaution.
“A number of cars have also been damaged at a site used for holiday parking.
“Any affected consumers are advised to contact their operator directly.
“A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and transported to custody.
“Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08.”
West Sussex Police have been approached for comment.
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “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 contact their parking operator directly.
“The parking company is not endorsed or operated by London Gatwick.”
