The identities of the three individuals who tragically died in a fire at the former RAF base at Bicester Motion business park in Oxfordshire have been confirmed. The victims include firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, along with David Chester, 57, a local groundworks contractor.
Bicester Motion described Mr. Chester as “a pillar of our business community” and “a friend to us all,” highlighting his long-standing connection to the site. Both firefighters were members of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), with Mr. Sadler also serving in the London Fire Brigade.
Two additional OFRS firefighters sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized following the incident, according to Oxfordshire County Council.
READ MORE: Queen Camilla’s Son Shares Beloved Royal Recipe Featuring King Charles’s Favourite Ingredient
READ MORE: Biomedical Scientist Challenges 10,000 Steps a Day Goal, Recommends Vigorous Exercise Instead
Martyn Sadler, a dedicated firefighter serving on retained duty at Bicester Fire Station, was highly regarded for his courage and commitment. He was active in the Bicester Rugby Union Football Club women’s Vixens team. Andy Roe, the London Fire Commissioner, praised Mr. Sadler as “a well-respected and much-loved colleague” whose devotion to service was exemplary. Social media tributes remember him as a role model and hero.
Jennie Logan, also part of OFRS and involved with the same rugby team, is mourned by her local community, with the Bicester Rugby Union Football Club emphasizing how deeply she will be missed.
David Chester’s family-operated company specialized in groundworks and fencing at the former RAF site, working alongside English Heritage and Bicester Heritage. His projects included delicate restoration work on four buried wartime air raid shelters and reinforcing the aging airfield control tower—a critical task to prevent its collapse. His company’s craftsmanship involved replacing damaged concrete ring beams with stainless steel supports and installing a new asphalt roof that honored the original design.
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive of Bicester Motion, reflected on Mr. Chester’s integral role, describing him as “a member of our team, part of the fabric of our estate.” He recalled the community’s trust in David, noting that “whenever you had a question, you would ‘just ask Dave.’” Mr. Chester’s dedication and selflessness, Geoghegan said, epitomized the spirit of collaboration and care within the business park.