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Sky News
20-05-2025
- General
- Sky News
Jennie Logan: Family pay tribute to 'hero' firefighter killed in Bicester blaze
The family of a firefighter killed in a blaze at a former RAF base have described her as a "hero" who was a "force to be reckoned with". Jennie Logan, 30, died in the fire at Bicester Motion on Thursday alongside colleague Martyn Sadler, 38, and member of the public David Chester, 57. In a statement released through Thames Valley Police, Ms Logan's family said she was a "much-loved" daughter, sister, and mum to beloved dog Mouse. They said: "We still can't believe we'll never see her again, driving around Bicester collecting her dogs, which were like a second family. "Also, at such a young age, setting up her own dog business and making it such a success, was truly inspirational to us all. "She found her calling three years ago when she joined the fire service where she could use her incredible strength and determination." On Saturday, Ms Logan and Mr Sadler's colleagues from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) formed a guard of honour in tribute to the pair. Her family added: "Jennie was a force to be reckoned with but to everyone who knew her, she was such a loving, caring, thoughtful person, who would do anything and everything to help. "She lived life at 100mph, juggling her business with her love for rugby, where she made some truly amazing friends. "When Jennie's pager went off, there was no stopping her. Never did we think that when running out the door last Thursday, to give it her all, like she always did, it would be for the final time. "Her bravery and fearlessness shone through right until the end. "Our lives will never be the same, we'll miss her beautiful smile and zest for life. She will always be our hero and we are so immensely proud of her. Forever in our hearts." Mr Chester, who ran the business Chesters & Sons on the site for 12 years, died as he tried to assist the emergency crews with the fire. In a statement released through Thames Valley Police, his family said: "He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived - helping others and putting them ahead of himself." On Tuesday, the force said the fire service had brought the blaze under control and made the area safe. The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained. Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray said: "I want to reiterate that this is currently not a criminal investigation; however, we will follow the evidence as our inquiries continue. "The building is currently being assessed by structural engineers to understand whether it is safe to allow our officers and partners to carry out examinations at the scene. "We will be supported by the fire service in trying to establish the cause of the fire." 2:08 The force said the fire's major incident status had been removed and there is no information to suggest anyone else is in the building. A golden plaque has been installed at the entrance to the site, with a tribute reading: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the sad loss of two firefighters and the member of the public. Love from the Bicester community."
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Police probing Bicester blaze tragedy give an update on investigation - as devastated family and friends tell of their anguish at deaths of two 'hero' firefighters and married businessman
Police investigating the tragic blaze in Bicester have revealed fire crews are still at the scene as the building remains unsafe. Thames Valley Police confirmed enquiries are ongoing into the cause of the blaze, however it is not safe to enter the former RAF base due to 'fire hotspots'. Firefighters were called at around 6.40pm on Thursday, with ten fire engines required to battle to bring the blaze under control throughout the night. Two hero firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, Martyn Sadler, 38, and business owner David Chester, 57, were killed in the inferno, where after explosions were heard on Thursday. An unexplained death probe has been launched, but the incident is not being treated as a criminal investigation, as enquiries into the tragedy continue. Grieving family and friends have revealed their anguish following the tragic deaths after the inferno, as Ms Logan's father paid a touching tribute to his 'real life super hero' daughter. Both firefighters Ms Logan and Ms Sadler worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), while the 38-year-old was also part of the London Fire Brigade. Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are still in hospital on Saturday, Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said. It is understood Ms Logan was a retained firefighter for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue, meaning she was on-call and ready to respond rather than a full-time employee. The brave firefighter also had a love of dogs, as she also had ten years experience in canine businesses and offered dog-walking, home visits and day care. A gold plaque has been installed at the entrance to Bicester Motion, with members of the public leaving flowers and tributes at the scene. Earlier today, firefighters lined up to form a guard of honour as two engines returned to Bicester Fire Station in Oxfordshire. Tributes have poured in for both firefighters, and Ms Logan's father Ian thanked his local planespotting club after the group released a touching tribute to his daughter. A member of the group posted online: 'Many of you will know by now that one of the firefighters who lost their lives in the fire at Bicester was Jennie Logan, what you might not know is that she was the daughter of Ian Logan a member and friend of the Turweston Flying community and owner of G-LOGN. 'All of us at Turweston offer our sincere condolences at this terrible time and will support Ian and his family in anyway that we can, and remember his hero of a daughter who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. A close friend of Ms Logan - who qualified as a firefighter in 2023 - posted: 'I hoped it wasn't true, I begged it wasn't. I can dry my tears and remember you but I can never get you back. 'You were my rock and I didn't even realise how much until you were gone. 'Who will I call names and laugh at for being silly? Who will laugh at me and say it right back? 'I've never met anyone like you Jen, it's not fair. Life is cruel but now everyone can be proud of the hero that I saw, that I heard, that I hugged.' Paying tribute to Mr Sadler, his cousin David wrote: 'Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming number of messages following the devastating loss of my cousin, colleague, role model and hero Martyn Sadler at the fire in Bicester last night.' A friend added: 'Totally gutted and speechless, with the loss of a good friend and colleague who I had the pleasure and privilege to work with for RBFRS and LFB. 'RIP Martyn Sadler always smiling.' Heartbreaking posts have since emerged from Mr Sadler in the aftermath of the Grenfell fire in 2017, in which he praised emergency services and called on the local community to support one another. Bicester Rugby Club, where both firefighters played, also shared a touching tribute: 'It is with profound sadness we share that Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, members of our Bicester Rugby Club family were the two firefighters who lost their lives whilst tackling the blaze at Bicester Motion on the night of Thursday 15th May. 'Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to their families, friends and our members at this terrible time. 'Both Jennie and Martyn were actively still involved with our Vixens set up and their presence at the club will be massively missed.' CEO of Bicester Motion Daniel Geoghegan described Mr Chester as a 'part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to all' 'To Dave Chester, who ran Chesters & Sons his family business, who has had a long history with the estate - indeed from man and boy,' he said. 'He joined us 12 years ago when we first bought the site and, with his wife and two sons, has been a pillar of our whole business community. 'We considered him a member of our team, part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all. 'Whenever you had a question, you would "just ask Dave", not just him but his whole family as they all cared about this place just as much as we do. 'Our whole community used to say that "Dave always had our back." Yesterday, he was doing just that – the epitome of his selfless spirit. 'We will cherish you Dave and you will be sorely missed, and we send our utmost love to Sue, Jordan and Riley.' Mr Sadler 'exemplified courage and selflessness' and was serving on retained duty at Bicester Fire Station, according to London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe. 'We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and friend,' he said: 'This is clearly an incredibly difficult time for us all; we have lost a well-respected and much-loved colleague who exemplified courage and selflessness in the service of others. 'Our thoughts are with all the families, friends, and colleagues impacted by this tragedy. We are doing everything we can to provide support to Martyn's family and colleagues.' 'It has been 'an incredibly challenging day for the UK Fire and Rescue Service' and the incident 'highlights the high-risk nature of the service we provide every day. I ask that everyone respects the family's privacy and gives them the space to grieve.' Mr Sadler was a leading firefighter in Ealing, west London, and an instructor in breathing apparatus and fire behaviour at the Fire Service College. A fundraising site has been set up in memory of the three people that lost their lives in the fire. The GoFundMe page has already raised £880 for the families of firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, and David Chester, 57, from Bicester. Daniel Chartrand, a Bicester resident, set up the page to support the families. The fundraising page reads: 'I'm Dan, a Bicester lad, wanting to do my bit for the families of those lost and injured in the RAF Bicester Fire on the 15th May 2025. 'I posted the idea in the Bicester Chat Group on Facebook so I'm now making this to support the families in this sad and undoubtedly stressful time. Any help is and I'm sure will be greatly appreciated.' A golden plaque has been installed underneath the Bicester Motion sign at the entrance to the site. The tribute reads: 'Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Bicester Motion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the sad loss of two firefighters and the member of the public. Love from the Bicester community.' It is surrounded by flowers and messages left in tribute by members of the public. A tribute was also left at Bicester Motion by firefighters from the London Fire Brigade, which included a navy blue T-shirt the writing 'A21 Paddington London Fire Brigade. It lay alongside flowers and a card which reads: 'Martyn, Jennie. Dear god protect these brave persons. Grant them your almighty protection and unite them safely with their families after their duty has ended.' Other cards included a child's drawing covered in fire engine stickers with the words: 'Thank you hero fighters'. Messages of tribute have been left by those who knew Ms Logan. One card, addressed from Ms Logan's dogs Cooper and Barney, reads: 'Jennie, you always were and will be our 'mum' and we will miss you more than anyone can know. 'We will see you one day across the rainbow bridge. All our love, Cooper and Barney.' Next to the message, another reads: 'A kind generous and beautiful person has been taken from us all too soon and we are heartbroken. 'Our thoughts are with your mum, dad and sister, friends, clients and all your fire and rescue service colleagues. With much love, A and A.' 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)' Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, said: 'We are continuing enquiries into what led to the deaths of David Chester, Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, as well as what caused the injuries to two other firefighters who remain in hospital in a stable condition. 'Our thoughts remain with all those involved following this tragic incident. Our enquiries are ongoing but this is a complex investigation which may take some time.' Yesterday, 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.' Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall gave an emotional statement at the scene of the fire, saying: 'I am immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel.' Earlier on Friday the council said the blaze was under control, as 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. 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. 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. On Friday, Bicester Motion confirmed the site will remain closed over the weekend. Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police Tim Metcalfe said: '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 the victims.
North Wales Chronicle
17-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Tributes paid to firefighters and man killed in former RAF base blaze
Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died in the major incident at Bicester Motion on Thursday, and David Chester, 57, from Bicester, was also killed. A police cordon was still in place on Saturday afternoon outside Bicester Motion, where a tent has been erected and a heavy police presence remains. A golden plaque has been installed at the entrance to the site, with a tribute reading: 'Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Bicester Motion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the sad loss of two firefighters and the member of the public. Love from the Bicester community.' It is surrounded by flowers and messages left in tribute by members of the public. One of the tributes is from firefighters from the London Fire Brigade. A navy blue T-shirt with the words 'A21 Paddington London Fire Brigade' was left at the scene. It lay alongside flowers and a card which reads: 'Martyn, Jennie. Dear god protect these brave persons. Grant them your almighty protection and unite them safely with their families after their duty has ended.' Both firefighters worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Brigade. Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said previously. Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall gave an emotional statement at the scene of the fire on Friday, saying: 'I am immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel.' Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at 6.39pm on Thursday, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors. Residents described seeing 'apocalyptic' black smoke rising above the area. Other cards laid at the scene include a child's drawing covered in fire engine stickers with the words: 'Thank you hero fighters.' Bicester resident Angela Roseline, 58, went to lay flowers at the scene on Saturday. She said: 'We depend on our emergency services a lot. You go out to work, not to pass away, and that's what's happened. 'It's affected me so badly that I had to come down just to show my respects. 'These individuals have families. I bet now they're hurting. But we want to let them know that we care for them, we love them, and we're praying for them, and that's the most important thing today. 'They're always in my heart. I'll be praying for them, that's what I'll be doing.' A fundraising site in memory of those who lost their lives has been set up by Bicester resident Daniel Chartrand, and the GoFundMe has already raised more than £1,000 of its £4,500 target. Dave Ward, 81, a retired firefighter, was among those paying respects at Bicester Fire Station, where a large number of tributes have also been laid. He placed a bunch of flowers and saluted the tribute. He said: 'I'm a retired fire fighter. I retired in 1988 but I've served in London and I now understand that one of the guys was from London.' Speaking through tears he added: 'Nobody will understand what a great family it is to be in the fire service. 'We're all brothers wherever we serve.'
Leader Live
17-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Tributes paid to firefighters and man killed in former RAF base blaze
Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died in the major incident at Bicester Motion on Thursday, and David Chester, 57, from Bicester, was also killed. A police cordon was still in place on Saturday afternoon outside Bicester Motion, where a tent has been erected and a heavy police presence remains. A golden plaque has been installed at the entrance to the site, with a tribute reading: 'Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Bicester Motion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the sad loss of two firefighters and the member of the public. Love from the Bicester community.' It is surrounded by flowers and messages left in tribute by members of the public. One of the tributes is from firefighters from the London Fire Brigade. A navy blue T-shirt with the words 'A21 Paddington London Fire Brigade' was left at the scene. It lay alongside flowers and a card which reads: 'Martyn, Jennie. Dear god protect these brave persons. Grant them your almighty protection and unite them safely with their families after their duty has ended.' Both firefighters worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Brigade. Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said previously. Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall gave an emotional statement at the scene of the fire on Friday, saying: 'I am immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel.' Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at 6.39pm on Thursday, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors. Residents described seeing 'apocalyptic' black smoke rising above the area. Other cards laid at the scene include a child's drawing covered in fire engine stickers with the words: 'Thank you hero fighters.' Bicester resident Angela Roseline, 58, went to lay flowers at the scene on Saturday. She said: 'We depend on our emergency services a lot. You go out to work, not to pass away, and that's what's happened. 'It's affected me so badly that I had to come down just to show my respects. 'These individuals have families. I bet now they're hurting. But we want to let them know that we care for them, we love them, and we're praying for them, and that's the most important thing today. 'They're always in my heart. I'll be praying for them, that's what I'll be doing.' A fundraising site in memory of those who lost their lives has been set up by Bicester resident Daniel Chartrand, and the GoFundMe has already raised more than £1,000 of its £4,500 target. Dave Ward, 81, a retired firefighter, was among those paying respects at Bicester Fire Station, where a large number of tributes have also been laid. He placed a bunch of flowers and saluted the tribute. He said: 'I'm a retired fire fighter. I retired in 1988 but I've served in London and I now understand that one of the guys was from London.' Speaking through tears he added: 'Nobody will understand what a great family it is to be in the fire service. 'We're all brothers wherever we serve.'
Powys County Times
17-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Tributes paid to firefighters and man killed in former RAF base blaze
Tributes have been paid to the two firefighters and a man killed in a huge blaze at a former RAF base. Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died in the major incident at Bicester Motion on Thursday, and David Chester, 57, from Bicester, was also killed. A police cordon was still in place on Saturday afternoon outside Bicester Motion, where a tent has been erected and a heavy police presence remains. A golden plaque has been installed at the entrance to the site, with a tribute reading: 'Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Bicester Motion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the sad loss of two firefighters and the member of the public. Love from the Bicester community.' It is surrounded by flowers and messages left in tribute by members of the public. One of the tributes is from firefighters from the London Fire Brigade. A navy blue T-shirt with the words 'A21 Paddington London Fire Brigade' was left at the scene. It lay alongside flowers and a card which reads: 'Martyn, Jennie. Dear god protect these brave persons. Grant them your almighty protection and unite them safely with their families after their duty has ended.' Both firefighters worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Brigade. Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said previously. Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall gave an emotional statement at the scene of the fire on Friday, saying: 'I am immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel.' Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at 6.39pm on Thursday, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors. Residents described seeing 'apocalyptic' black smoke rising above the area. Other cards laid at the scene include a child's drawing covered in fire engine stickers with the words: 'Thank you hero fighters.' Bicester resident Angela Roseline, 58, went to lay flowers at the scene on Saturday. She said: 'We depend on our emergency services a lot. You go out to work, not to pass away, and that's what's happened. 'It's affected me so badly that I had to come down just to show my respects. 'These individuals have families. I bet now they're hurting. But we want to let them know that we care for them, we love them, and we're praying for them, and that's the most important thing today. 'They're always in my heart. I'll be praying for them, that's what I'll be doing.' A fundraising site in memory of those who lost their lives has been set up by Bicester resident Daniel Chartrand, and the GoFundMe has already raised more than £1,000 of its £4,500 target. Dave Ward, 81, a retired firefighter, was among those paying respects at Bicester Fire Station, where a large number of tributes have also been laid. He placed a bunch of flowers and saluted the tribute. He said: 'I'm a retired fire fighter. I retired in 1988 but I've served in London and I now understand that one of the guys was from London.' Speaking through tears he added: 'Nobody will understand what a great family it is to be in the fire service. 'We're all brothers wherever we serve.'
