Power cut to nearly 2,000 properties as firefighters tackle Rowfant, Crawley industrial estate blaze

Nearly 2000 properties lose electricity supplies as firefighters continue to tackle a fire at an industrial estate in Rowfant on Saturday (22.08.2026).

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said crews remain at the scene of the fire on Wallage Lane, with UK Power Networks needing to isolate an overhead electricity cable so emergency operations can continue safely.

In an update, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said in a post last night: “We remain at the scene of a fire on an industrial estate at Wallage Lane, Rowfant, Crawley. UK Power Networks need to isolate an overhead cable.

“This will affect 195 properties in the Rowfant area. UK Power Networks will restore the power as soon as it is safe to do so.”

UK Power Networks operates and maintains the electricity distribution network across the South East of England, as well as London and the East of England.

The company says its online power-cut service provides live information on outages, including the number of customers affected and estimated restoration times where these are available.

People affected by a power cut can check the UK Power Networks website for the latest information. The company also advises people to call 105 if they are in danger, notice damage to electricity equipment or are unable to access its online services.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue have released this latest statement sent to V2 Radio today 24.08.2026

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: "On Saturday (22 August) at 8.56pm we were alerted to fire at Wallage Lane in Rowfant.

"Crews have been at the scene since the initial 999 call, responding to a significant and complex fire involving a workshop, vehicles (including electric and heavy goods vehicles), and cylinders.

"A number of vehicles involved in this fire were parked at a site used for holiday parking. Any affected consumers are advised to contact their operator directly.

"On Saturday night local residents and nearby businesses experienced a temporary loss of electricity as an overhead power line needed to be isolated. Vulnerable customers were supported by West Sussex County Council's Resilience and Emergencies Team, and the electricity supply has since been restored.

"Fire crews have been at the scene this morning (24 August) damping down hotspots, and we are hoping to leave the scene later on today.

"Fortunately there were no casualties as a result of this fire.

"A joint fire investigation is now ongoing with Sussex Police. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08."

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: "Police and fire service colleagues responded to a large fire in Caldyne Business Park, Rowfant, just after 9pm on Saturday 22 August.

"Power was shut off to the immediate area, affecting a number of businesses and homes, and nearby roads were closed as a precaution.

"A number of cars were damaged at a site used for holiday parking. Any affected consumers are advised to contact their operator directly.

"Emergency services remain on scene at this time and the public are advised to avoid the area.

"A 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson. He has since been bailed, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1504 of 22/08."

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