Kemi Badenoch calls Bicester fire 'horrifying incident' as three found dead
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has paid tribute to the people who have died in a large fire at a former RAF base in Bicester.
Speaking to reporters at the Welsh Conservative conference in Llangollen, she said: 'I think it's an absolutely horrifying incident.
'My heart goes out to the families of those people who have lost their lives and those who are still on the front line, because I understand the fire is still going, and I hope that we can get to the bottom of exactly what's caused this and make sure that it doesn't happen again.'
One of those killed in Bicester was a London firefighter on 'retained duty' with the Oxfordshire fire service, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.
LFB commissioner Andy Roe said: 'Following the terrible news from Oxfordshire that two firefighters have died in the line of duty, alongside a member of the public, it is with great sadness that I can confirm that one of those who lost their lives is a London leading firefighter/sub officer, who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Two firefighters and one member of the public have been confirmed dead following a fire incident at Bicester, Oxfordshire. This is terrible news. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues. The FBU will be on hand to provide support in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/QQJ9EvAh2J
— Fire Brigades Union (@fbunational) May 16, 2025
'We are devastated by the loss of our colleague, and our thoughts remain with the families and friends of all those impacted by this incident.
'We are working closely with our counterparts in Oxfordshire, providing support to the family and our crews affected by this tragic loss.
'Our sincere condolences go out to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who also sadly lost a firefighter at this incident, with a further two colleagues in hospital.'
The council said four crews remain at the scene as 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.'
Officers remained at the entrance of the former RAF base on Friday, and a fire engine and ambulance could be seen leaving the area while another police vehicle entered the site.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the 'black' smoke in the sky from the other side of town.
Chief Fire Officer Rob 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.
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Bicester Heritage fire live: 3 die at former RAF Base
Bicester Motion fire: Three dead including firefighters
Firefighter on 'retained duty' killed in Bicester fire
'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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