The three people who died in the fire at ex-RAF base Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire on Thursday (May 15) have been named as firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, and member of the public David Chester, 57. Mr Sadler was a firefighter for the London Fire Brigade, who was working on retained duty with Oxfordshire colleagues at the time of the fire.
Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at 6.39pm, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors. The Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Neasham Glasgow, said the King would want to “pass on his sincerest condolences to all those affected”.
In a statement on Friday evening, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said: “We are now in a position to confirm the formal identification of those who have died. The firefighters who died are Jennie Logan, aged 30, of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service and Martyn Sadler, aged 38 of both Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue and the London Fire Brigade.
“The member of public who died is David Chester, aged 57 from Bicester. The families are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers. We have commenced an unexplained death investigation, led by our Major Crime Team.
“This is currently not a criminal investigation, but we will follow the evidence as our enquiries continue. We will continue to have officers at the scene for a number of days to ensure the public remain safe.
“The fire and rescue service is still at the scene, dampening down the fire. Once the scene is safe, our investigators will be able to carry out inquiries at the location.”
Floral tributes have been left at a former RAF base Bicester Motion. Three bouquets were laid under the Bicester Motion sign outside the former RAF base where a heavy police presence remains in place.
A handwritten note read: “Thank you for your service. Our hearts are with the services and families.” The note featured hand-drawn pictures of an ambulance, police officer, doctor, and firefighter.
The flowers also include a handpicked bunch of daisies. Other cards read: “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.”
A message left from Thames Valley Police read: “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)”
A group of school children also arrived to pay tribute at the scene. The council said the blaze is now under control.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the deaths as “devastating news”, adding: “The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery.”
Eyewitnesses described seeing the “black” smoke in the sky from the other side of town. Stay-at-home mother Julie Stocker said she saw the flames from her bedroom window, and heard “various explosions”.
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.”
She said the site where the fire took place is usually “very busy” and has seen workers being turned away by police this morning.
Mr MacDougall said: “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 product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion – formerly known as Bicester Heritage, said he heard “multiple bangs” and saw a plume of smoke while out walking. Historic England claims the famous airfield is “the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase” in Britain.
The site is now home to classic car restoration and engineering businesses. In a statement, Bicester Motion 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.”
Bicester Motion confirmed the site will remain closed over the weekend.
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