A fundraising appeal has been launched for members of The Bears banger racing team after a devastating fire at a business estate near Crawley destroyed equipment, vehicles and tools they relied upon for their livelihoods.
The major blaze broke out at an industrial site on Wallage Lane in Rowfant, east of Crawley, on Saturday night (22 August).
Eight fire engines and two water carriers were sent to the scene as crews battled the fire, which affected a large area of the site and damaged numerous vehicles.
Residents were urged to keep their windows and doors closed because of smoke, while members of the public were asked to avoid the area.
Pictures taken following the blaze show the scale of the destruction, with rows of severely fire-damaged vehicles and buildings reduced to burned-out shells.
Man arrested on suspicion of arson
Sussex Police subsequently confirmed that a man had been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire.
A number of vehicles at a site used for holiday parking were also damaged.
The arrest remains an allegation and does not establish guilt. Police enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the blaze are continuing.
Power supplies affected
The emergency also affected electricity supplies in the surrounding area.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said an overhead power cable had to be isolated while firefighters dealt with the incident, affecting properties in Rowfant.
UK Power Networks said engineers were dealing with damage to high-voltage equipment and could only restore supplies once it was safe to do so. Power was subsequently reported to have been restored on Sunday.
‘They have lost everything’
Among those counting the cost are members of The Bears banger racing team, whose family and business equipment were caught up in the devastation.
Ashley, who launched an appeal for help, said the losses go far beyond the team’s involvement in motorsport.
She said:
“Last night my team members and family lost everything in a fire. Their business, their tools, their truck.
“They have lost their livelihoods and the amount of money to replace everything is immeasurable.
“They all have families to support and will now struggle to get life back on track and rebuild their business from scratch.
“In terms of their racing they have lost everything that the banger racing community treasure. But more importantly, they have lost their ability to earn money and live.
“Please, if you can donate any amount to help it would be much appreciated.”
Banger racing community urged to rally around family
The appeal is now calling on the wider banger racing community and members of the public to help the affected families rebuild.
Replacing specialist tools, business equipment, vehicles and other possessions destroyed in the fire is expected to come at considerable cost.
For those affected, however, the most immediate concern is being able to return to work and continue supporting their families.
Anyone able to contribute is being urged to support the fundraising appeal, with organisers stressing that every donation, regardless of size, will help the families begin rebuilding after the fire.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police are continuing their enquiries into the incident.
