Hero firefighters who died in Bicester inferno are named: Female officer, 30, and male crewmate, 38, died alongside man, 57, in horror blaze
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Two hero firefighters who died in an inferno that ripped through a former RAF base near Bicester Village have been named.
Brave firefighters, Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Service, passed away in yesterday’s blaze.
57-year-old David Chester, from Bicester, also perished in the horrifying fire which engulfed Bicester Motion, Thames Valley police confirmed.
It comes as the fire service confirmed they were ‘mourning the loss’ of two colleagues killed in the blaze.
It is believed to be the first time a firefighter has been died in the line of duty since January 2023 and 19 have been killed since the turn of the century.
Their families are being supported by family liaison officers as an unexplained death probe is launched.
The incident is not being treated as a criminal investigation, as enquiries into the tragedy continue. Fire crews remain at the scene, dampening down the fire.
Yesterday, witnesses said they heard multiple explosions and clouds of dense black smoke could be seen for miles following the fire at the motoring and aviation heritage site.
Two firefighters and a member of the public have been killed after a huge blaze ripped through a former RAF base near Bicester Village last night
They have since been named as Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, and David Chester, 57. (Pictured: Floral tributes are seen outside Bicester Fire Station following a fire at Bicester Motion)
Plumes of smoke billowing from the sky amid the blaze at the former heritage centre yesterday
Around 10 fire crews rushed to the scene and having fought the blaze at the site since 6.30pm.
The former RAF base is now home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering.
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said this evening: ‘It is with a very heavy heart that we report the loss of two firefighters Jennie and Martyn.
‘Their families have been informed and are being supported by myself and the wider service.
‘Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for their privacy to be respected.
‘We cannot release any details at present but will provide further information as soon as we can.’
Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, Tim Metcalfe extended his condolences to all three who lost their lives in the inferno.
‘This is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police are with the families, friends and colleagues of Jennie Logan of the Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Martyn Sadler of the London Fire Brigade, and member of the public, David Chester, who have died in this incident,’ he said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shared his ‘devastation’ at the news and praised the ‘astounding bravery’ of firefighters.
Another tribute drawn by a member of the public thanking emergency responders for their service
A member of the public lays tributes to the three people who tragically lost their lives in the blaze
An aerial view shows the fire ripping through the building last night
Video grab from footage shows a huge cloud of smoke as fire breaks out at a former RAF airfield at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire
Damaged buildings following a fire where two firefighters and a member of the public have died
He posted on X: ‘Devastating news. My thoughts are with their families and friends. The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery.’
Eyewitnesses described seeing thick ‘black’ smoke in the sky from as far away as Oxford last night and hearing multiple loud explosions.
Vikas Talwar, 40, who lives in a housing estate near Bicester Motion, revealed he could see the fire from the street corner outside his house.
‘There was a lot of smoke yesterday. Lots of people were gathering here on the corner but a lot of smoke was coming out.,’ he said.
‘There was flames on the roof, on the top of the roof, and a huge big cloud of smoke in the air. I could see it from this corner near my house.’
Julie Stocker saw the flames from her bedroom window and described the deaths as ‘devastating’.
The 46-year-old, who lives across the road from Bicester Motion, said: ‘We could hear the crackle of the fire and then obviously the various explosions and stuff.
‘(The smoke) was going very high. It was a mixture of white smoke and then really thick black smoke.
‘We were praying that obviously no-one was injured, but sadly that’s not the case. It’s devastating.’
The stay-at-home mother said she was concerned about her relatives living in Bicester where the ‘potentially hazardous’ smoke was blown.
She said the site where the fire took place is usually ‘very busy’ and has seen workers being turned away by police on this morning.
Sharing a video of the blaze last night, Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley Matthew Barber described the situation as ‘awful’.
County Council Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall held back tears as he spoke following yesterday’s inferno
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said this evening: ‘It is with a very heavy heart that we report the loss of two firefighters Jennie and Martyn.’
Firefighters are pictured on the scene of a blaze at a former RAF base in Bicester last night
Police officers patrol at a cordon near the scene of a fire at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire
A member of the public also died and another two firefighters were seriously injured and are currently in hospital
Police officers patrol at a cordon near the scene at Bicester Motion, the site of a former RAF base
The former RAF base is now home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering
‘An awful situation in Bicester this evening at Bicester Heritage,’ he wrote on X, adding: ‘Officers from Thames Valley Police are assisting Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service in dealing with the significant incident.’
Kieran McGurk, a product director who near the site, also reported hearing ‘multiple bangs’ as he saw clouds of dark smoke fill the sky.
‘As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens,’ he said.
‘Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road ash started to fall and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening.
‘Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site.’
Bicester Motion, formerly known as Bicester Heritage, is home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering.
Historic England say the iconic airfield is ‘the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase’ in the country.
In a statement, Bicester Motion described the bravery of emergency services as ‘overwhelming’ as they said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the three deaths.
Around ten fire crews are understood to have been fighting the blaze at the motoring and aviation heritage site since 6.30pm last night
Locals were urged to avoid the area, as well as being advised to remain indoors and close their windows ‘until further notice’
Firefighters at the scene at Bicester Motion last night with one person claiming smoke could be smelt from ‘miles away’
Emergency services arriving to the scene at Bicester Motion. Crews had been battling the blaze since 6.30pm yesterday evening
They said: ‘We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news that two firefighters and a close friend of the site have lost their lives.
‘There are no words at times like this, but 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 teams has been overwhelming. We are grateful for all the support and especially the exceptional work by all in such unprecedented circumstances.
‘The strength and kindness of the Bicester community, of which we are proud members, has truly shown itself.
‘The site will remain closed over the weekend as we continue to work closely with the emergency services.’
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have continued to advice locals to remain indoors as they continue to fight the blaze which is currently ‘under control;.
They said: ‘The fire is still ongoing but is under control. Other support appliances remain on scene including a hydraulic platform, a water carrier, a command unit and a high-volume pumping unit.
‘Advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows has been lifted. Roads that were previously closed are now being opened but traffic is heavy.’
A South Central Ambulance spokesperson said: ‘We were called at 18.57 this evening to reports of a serious incident at Bicester Motion.
We sent a robust command structure to support staff and are currently on scene as the incident is ongoing’.
Molly Pipe told the BBC that the smoke could be smelt ‘from perhaps half a mile away’.
Meanwhile, local councillor Sam Holland added that he saw the blaze ‘from a distance’ adding: ‘There’s lots of emergency vehicles.
‘Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier. I had spoken to someone as they were leaving. I hope there is nobody hurt or worse.’
Oxford City Council lowered the City Flag flying over the 1930’s extension of Oxford Town Hall to half-mast today to mourn the loss of the three victims.
Local councillor Sam Holland said he saw the blaze ‘from a distance’ adding: ‘ There’s lots of emergency vehicles
Smoke is seen rising from a fire where two firefighters and a member of the public have died
Police officers patrol at a cordon near the scene of a fire at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire
Councilor Susan Brown, leader of the city council said in a statement: ‘On behalf of Oxford City Council and the City of Oxford, I want to express my condolences to the families of those firefighters and the member of the public, who have tragically lost their lives in the fire at Bicester Motion.
‘This is a terrible reminder for us all that firefighters, as well as the other members of the emergency services, put themselves at risk on a daily basis, to protect us all. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude.
‘We are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with the family, colleagues and friends of those we have lost in this tragic incident.’
In a statement, MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller said: ‘I am heartbroken to learn that three people lost their lives in the fire yesterday at Bicester Motion.
‘My deep condolences go to the family and friends who are now grieving their loss.
‘I want to pay tribute to the bravery of our firefighters and emergency services. It is terrible that two fire officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.
‘The death of colleagues will be felt by all in the fire service family and I am holding them in my thoughts. This is a devastating moment for our community. I know it will express its support and care for all those affected.’
Police officers patrol at a cordon near the scene of a fire at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire
A fire engine leaves Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire where two firefighters and a member of the public have died
A fire engine leaves Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire where two firefighters and a member of the public have died
Philip Garrigan, chief of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: ‘I am devastated by the news that two firefighters have lost their lives responding to a major incident in Bicester on Thursday evening.
‘I am also deeply saddened that a member of the public has also died in the incident.
‘Our firefighters are the very best of us, their courage and compassion is what make them so very special.
‘My thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.’
Another resident who lives near Bicester Motion said she thought the ‘popping’ noises were gunshots and described the deaths as ‘very sad, very shocking’.
The woman, who did not want to be named, said: ‘When we looked out the window … obviously it was a fire. But later on, there were like proper explosions.’
She said her neighbours were packing bags in case they were evacuated from their homes.
The Fire Brigades Union said: ‘The Fire Brigades Union is aware of a tragic incident at Bicester, in which one member of the public and two firefighters have been confirmed dead.
‘Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues.
‘The Fire Brigades Union will provide whatever support is required in the days ahead, and in time we will investigate what happened.’
Clouds of smoke seen near the scene of a fire at Bicester Motion
Bicester resident Janine McKenna Jones, 48, described seeing ‘black ash’ near her home following the fatal fire
Bicester resident Janine McKenna Jones, 48, described seeing ‘black ash’ near her home following the fatal fire.
‘When I got home there was this massive black ash… sort of smoke,’ she said: ‘They closed the road at some point in the evening and I think it was closed until maybe 5am because you could still see the flashing lights.
‘It felt very apocalyptic, if that makes sense, because you see the sky and there’s this big black cloud of smoke.’
She said she is still keeping windows shut at her home due to the smell of smoke.
Ms Jones added: ‘I just read about the deaths on the news and it’s just sad really.
‘And it’s a shame because obviously it’s local people so it’s always a shame too when people lose their lives trying to help others.’
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Firefighters killed in the line of duty
- Barry Martin, 38, died in January 2023, after tackling a fire at the former Jenners department store building in Edinburgh.
Barry Martin, 38, from Fife, who died while fighting a fire at Edinburgh’s historic Jenners building
- Stephen Hunt, 38, died on July 13, 2013 after responding to a fire at a hair salon on Oldham Street, Manchester City Centre. He took a wrong turn was found collapsed and unconscious.
Stephen Hunt who died after being pulled from a major blaze in a shop in Manchester city centre
- Billy Faust, 36, died on July 20, 2004, in the basement of a burning building in Bethnal Green, London.
Bill Faust 36, one of two fireman who died trying to save two brothers from a blaze in Bethnal Green in 2004
- Joe McCloskey, 50, died on November 1, 2003, when roof of a burning building collapsed in Northern Ireland.
