Latest news with #BicesterHeritage
Auto Car
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Three dead after fire at Bicester Heritage site
Two firefighters and one member of the public have died; two more firefighters are in hospital with serious injuries Close Two firefighters and a member of the public have died after a large fire broke out at Bicester Motion - an ex-RAF base in Oxfordshire that hosts more than 50 automotive businesses. The blaze erupted in the evening of 15 May, and members of the public reported that the smoke was visible from several miles away, as 10 fire crews were dispatched to the scene. Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed that two firefighters were killed as they attacked the inferno, while another two have been hospitalised with serious injuries. The BBC quoted chief fire officer Rob MacDougall as saying: "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." Details of the member of public killed in the incident have not yet been given. It isn't yet known what caused the fire, nor which businesses were based in the buildings that were consumed. Bicester Motion – previously known as Bicester Heritage - is home to a number of classic car restoration businesses and engineering firms, while Polestar and Morgan also have showrooms in the old airfield complex. In a statement issued this morning, 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. "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. Thank you for your understanding at this time." Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you'll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here. Next Prev In partnership with
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two firefighters and one other person die after fire at former RAF base in Oxfordshire
Two firefighters and a member of the public have died in a large fire in Bicester, the fire service announced. The firefighters died while fighting the inferno at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, which now hosts historic motoring and aviation centre Bicester Motion. Bicester Motion said in a statement that "a close friend of the site" also died in the blaze. The local fire service was called to the scene at 6.39pm last night. 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. "Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for privacy to be respected." Local councillor Liam Walker also shared the "devastating" news of the three deaths, adding that his "thoughts are with the families and friends at this difficult time". Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently being treated in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said in a statement. Footage shared on social media shows black plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and flames swallowing the large building. Kieran McGurk, who lives opposite Bicester Motion, said he heard "multiple explosions" and "loud bangs". Another resident, who gave her name only as Ellie, said she saw a "big black plume of smoke" coming out of the Bicester Motion buildings on Thursday night. "I heard loads of pops and crackles and bangs. It was quite bad. It was so weird because I had my blinds shut at the time and I was like what is going on," she said. "It was crazy and then I looked out the window and saw it." Ten fire crews attended the incident, with four remaining at the scene. The blaze is still ongoing, but it is considered under control. Police officers erected a cordon and remained at the entrance to Bicester Motion on Friday, while a fire engine and ambulance could be seen leaving the scene. Local residents were asked last night to remain indoors and keep their windows shut, but this advice has now been lifted. Bicester Motion, which was formerly known as Bicester Heritage, said in a statement: "There are no words at times like this, but our thoughts and prayers are with (the victims') 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." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deaths in the blaze were "devastating news", adding that he hopes "those in hospital make a full and swift recovery". The Bicester airfield, which is "the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase", according to Historic England, will remain closed over the weekend. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Huge fire and ‘multiple explosions' heard at former RAF airfield
A large fire has broken out at the site of a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, with witnesses reporting loud explosions and thick black smoke billowing from the site. Some 10 fire and rescue crews are tackling the blaze in Bicester, which has prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: '10 fire and rescue crews are currently attending an ongoing serious incident at Bicester Motion from 18:39 this evening. 'We would advise people to avoid the area, and for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows until further notice.' Local councillor Sam Holland said the blaze is at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre situated on the former airbase. It is home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering. 'I saw it (the fire) from a distance,' Mr Holland told the PA news agency. '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.' Historic England claim the iconic airfield is 'the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase' in Britain. A social media user shared images of massive black plumes of smoke coming from the site – adding they had heard 'multiple explosions'. 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. He told PA: 'As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens. '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.' The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bicester Heritage car event sells out after five days of general sale
A popular car event set to take place near Bicester sold out just five days after tickets went on general sale. Bicester Heritage's second Scramble of 2025 will welcome a full house after a quarter of adult tickets were sold during the Pegasus presale, and another 25 per cent were snapped up within two hours of general sale opening. Bicester Heritage's Pegasus members could buy the tickets a week before they went on general sale. The event, taking place at Bicester Motion, in Launton, on Sunday, April 27, will celebrate record-breakers and mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's visit to Bicester in May 1965. Visitors can expect a variety of children's activities, interactions with 50 onsite specialists, and activities in their showrooms and HQ buildings. Gates will open at 9am and close at 4pm.
