{
  "id": 3018012,
  "title": "140 cars gutted in huge fire at Gatwick holiday parking site: Pensioner, 67, arrested on arson suspicion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/140-cars-gutted-in-huge-fire-at-gatwick-holiday-parking-site",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T12:43:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euro Weekly News",
    "slug": "euro-weekly-news",
    "url": "https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/08/24/140-cars-gutted-in-huge-fire-at-gatwick-holiday-parking-site-pensioner-67-arrested-on-arson-suspicion/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A massive fire ravaged a popular off-airport parking site at Gatwick, destroying around 140 vehicles, including electric vehicles, heavy goods lorries, and gas cylinders. The incident occurred at Caldyne Business Park on Wallage Lane in Rowfant, near Crawley in West Sussex, on Saturday, 22 August. The blaze, which began around 9pm, prompted an emergency response from eight fire engines and two water carriers, who worked throughout the night to control the fire and prevent it from spreading. No one was physically injured in the blaze, though the power supply to over 2,000 homes and local businesses was temporarily cut due to damage to high-voltage equipment. The fire also affected nearby roads and led to nearby residents being advised to keep their windows and doors closed.\n\nGatwick itself is not responsible for the parking site, but the fire has caused significant disruption for holidaymakers returning to the airport. West Sussex Police have arrested a 67-year-old man on suspicion of arson, with the investigation ongoing. A joint investigation with the fire service is also underway. Police urge anyone with information to report it through their official channels, using serial 1504 of 22/08. The incident has also affected local firms, with recovery and breakdown businesses losing tools, trucks, and gear. A GoFundMe has been set up to help those whose livelihoods were affected by the blaze.\n\nHolidaymakers flying into Gatwick this week may face a nasty surprise, as the burnt-out cars may not be available for pickup. The airport's official parking pages advise affected individuals to contact their parking operator directly for assistance. Official on-airport options remain available if needed, but travelers are advised to check the latest updates on Gatwick's parking pages. This incident follows months of warnings about rogue meet-and-greet firms around the airport, with recent findings of cars left in fields or near scrapyards. It is recommended that travelers booking through official channels or properly accredited firms to minimize the risk of such issues.",
  "summary": "Holidaymakers flying back into Gatwick this week face a nasty shock after a massive blaze tore through a popular off-airport […]",
  "key_points": [
    "140 vehicles, including electric cars and gas cylinders, destroyed in fire",
    "67-year-old pensioner arrested on suspicion of arson",
    "Gatwick parking site fire causes power outage for 2,000 homes"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}