Police have identified the three victims who lost their lives in a major fire at the former RAF base, Bicester Motion. Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, perished following a series of explosions on Thursday evening, according to Thames Valley Police. David Chester, 57, a local resident from Bicester, Oxfordshire, also died in the incident.
Both Logan and Sadler were members of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), with Sadler also serving as part of the London Fire Brigade. Two other OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and remain hospitalized, as reported by Oxfordshire County Council.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe described the tragedy as “an absolute tragedy,” extending condolences from Thames Valley Police to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims.
READ MORE: Smokers Urged to Take 3 Crucial Steps to Prevent Fire Hazards in Hot Weather
READ MORE: Gloucester Rally to Secure Vital Win Against Newcastle Falcons, Keep Play-Off Hopes Alive
The fire broke out around 6.39pm, prompting a major emergency response with ten fire and rescue crews dispatched to the scene. Authorities advised local residents to stay indoors due to the severity of the blaze.
Marjorie Neasham Glasgow, the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, conveyed the King’s sincere condolences to those impacted by the tragedy.
In the aftermath, members of the public laid flowers and tributes at the site of the fire. Three bouquets were placed beneath the Bicester Motion sign, accompanied by heartfelt notes. One message read, “Thank you for your service. Our hearts are with the services and families,” featuring hand-drawn illustrations of emergency workers and a handpicked bunch of daisies.
Other cards expressed deep sympathy: “Our hearts have broken for the loss of two heroes. All our love and prayers. With deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.”
Thames Valley Police also left a message: “To my Red Light Family, in memory of two heroes. With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Always in our thoughts, your Blue Light Family (TVP).”
School children also came to pay their respects at the scene, while the blaze is reported to be under control by authorities.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the deaths “devastating news” and praised the “astounding” bravery of firefighters, wishing a full and swift recovery to those injured.
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall expressed his pride in the multi-agency emergency response and commended the courage shown by all personnel involved. Eyewitnesses recounted seeing thick black smoke rising into the sky. One resident, Julie Stocker, described hearing explosions and seeing the fire’s intense smoke from her home nearby.
Stocker said, “We could hear the crackle of the fire and then obviously the various explosions… The smoke was going very high – a mix of white smoke and thick black smoke.”
Residents noted increased security at the site, with workers being turned away by police the following day.
MacDougall added, “It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters. Families have been informed and are being supported.”
Kieran McGurk, a resident living opposite Bicester Motion, also heard multiple bangs and saw the smoke while out walking.
Historic England recognizes the site as “the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase” in Britain. Today, Bicester Motion serves as a hub for classic car restoration and engineering businesses.
In a statement, Bicester Motion expressed their sorrow, saying, “We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news that two firefighters and a close friend of the site have lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. We pray for the two firefighters in hospital. The bravery shown by the emergency services has been overwhelming. We are grateful for all the support and the exceptional work carried out under unprecedented circumstances.”
Bicester Motion confirmed the site will remain closed over the weekend as the investigation and recovery efforts continue.