Latest news with #OxfordshireFireAndRescue
BBC News
19-05-2025
- BBC News
Town mourns firefighters and father lost in Bicester Motion fire
A book of condolence is to be opened at a council's headquarters following the death of two firefighters and a man who were killed at an Oxfordshire business Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died while tackling the fire at Bicester Motion on Thursday evening. David Chester, 57, a father of two who ran a business at the site and lived in Bicester, was also observed a two-minute silence in the town's Garth Park on Sunday and Bicester Town Council will open its book of condolence at Garth House from 09:00 BST on two firefighters who suffered serious injuries remain in hospital, Thames Valley Police said. Ms Logan and Mr Sadler were involved in Bicester Rugby Union Football Club's (BRUFC) women's team, Bicester Vixens."We are a tight knit club. We are a family and it's hit the club and the wider community very hard," BRUFC's chairman Paul Jaggers said. "Obviously losing two of your members in any situation is really tough and it's had a profound impact,"Both firefighters worked for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Chester, who ran family business Chesters & Sons at Bicester Motion, joined the estate when it was bought 12 years ago and was described as "part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all". Historic England, which had worked with Mr Chester, said he had been a "valued partner", who it was a "privilege" to work investigators and Thames Valley Police are working to establish the cause of the blaze in what the police said was a "complex investigation which may take some time". You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Fire chief chokes with emotion as he tells of 'heavy heart' after death of two brave colleagues in Bicester heritage car centre blaze as two more are treated in hospital following inferno
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer choked with emotion and appeared to be fighting back tears as he told 'with a heavy heart' of the 'unwavering bravery' of his colleagues. Two firefighters and a member of the public were killed after a huge blaze ripped through a former RAF base near Bicester Village last night. Two other firefighters have been rushed to hospital with serious injuries and the fire has been brought under control. Witnesses said they heard multiple explosions and clouds of dense black smoke could be seen for miles following the inferno at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire. In a press conference this morning, Chief Rob MacDougall was visibly emotional as he read a statement to the media, taking several pauses to compose himself. He said: 'It is with a heavy heart that today we report the loss of two of our firefighters. A member of the public has also sadly died in the incident. Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital. 'The families have been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts remain with them at this most difficult time 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. 'We were called to the scene at 18:39 yesterday and at the height of the incident we had ten fire engines tackling the fire. We remain on site with a reduced presence and the is under control. 'Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues affected.' With his voice cracking, Chief MacDougall fought back tears as he added: 'I'm immensely proud and grateful for the multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel.' In an update this morning, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said they were 'mourning the loss' of two colleagues killed in the blaze at the classic car and aircraft restoration site. One of those that died was a London firefighter who was on 'retained duty' with the Oxfordshire fire service, the capital's fire commissioner Andy Roe has said. 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. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shared his 'devastation' at the news and praised the 'astounding bravery' of firefighters. 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.' Around ten fire crews rushed to Bicester Motion to tackle the blaze in a warehouse at around 6.40pm last night. The former RAF base is now home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering. 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, could see the fire from the street corner outside his house. He said: 'There was a lot of smoke yesterday. Lots of people were gathering here on the corner but a lot of smoke was coming out. '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 is 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 Friday morning. Sharing a video of the blaze last night, Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley Matthew Barber described the situation as 'awful'. He posted on X: 'An awful situation in Bicester this evening at Bicester Heritage. 'Officers from Thames Valley Police are assisting Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service in dealing with the significant incident.' Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion, 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. The company 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.' Molly Pipe told the BBC that the smoke could be smelt 'from perhaps half a mile away'. Meanwhile, local councillor Sam Holland said 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. 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.' A Bicester Motion spokesperson said: 'Further to the incident, emergency services have been called and are attending on-site. 'We appreciate the concern from local residents and wish to communicate that the company is working with the emergency services and a further statement will be made as appropriate.' Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Four fire and rescue crews remain in attendance at an ongoing serious incident at Bicester Motion having been called out at 18:39 yesterday evening (15 May). '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'. MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller said in a statement: '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.' 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.' Bicester resident Janine McKenna Jones, 48, described seeing 'black ash' near her home following the fatal fire. She told the PA news agency: 'When I got home there was this massive black ash... sort of smoke. '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.' 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. 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. Billy Faust, 36, died on July 20, 2004, in the basement of a burning building in Bethnal Green, London. Joe McCloskey, 50, died on November 1, 2003, when roof of a burning building collapsed in Northern Ireland.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bicester fire tragedy: Two firefighters and member of public die in huge blaze at ex-RAF base
Two firefighters and a member of the public have died following a large fire at a former RAF base. Oxfordshire County Council said the two firefighters died while tackling the blaze at Bicester Motion on Thursday. Two further firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently in hospital, the council added. Bicester Motion is 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. Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the fire, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors. 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.' Ten fire and rescue crews rushed to the scene to tackled the blaze, which broke out on Thursday evening prompting a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors. In a statement, 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.' A South Central Ambulance Service 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.' Local councillor Sam Holland said: 'I saw it (the fire) from a distance. 'There's lots of emergency vehicles. 'Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier.' Historic England claim the iconic airfield is 'the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase' in Britain. Bicester Motion said in a statement: 'Further to the incident, emergency services have been called and are attending on-site. 'We appreciate the concern from local residents and wish to communicate that the company is working with the emergency services and a further statement will be made as appropriate.' Huge fire at Bicester Heritage. A number of loud explosions. 15 fire engines currently onsite tacking the blaze. #bicester #Bicesterheritage — Kieran McG (@kajer87) May 15, 2025 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. Breaking news. This story is being updated.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Fire at historic motoring and aviation site Bicester Motion
A large fire has broken out at a motoring and aviation heritage site in Motion confirmed that it was aware of the incident and emergency services had been called to the a post on Facebook on Thursday evening, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was aware of the incident in Bicester and advised nearby residents to stay inside and "make sure to close windows and doors and consider turning off air-conditioning".A Bicester Motion spokesperson said: "The company is working with the emergency services and a further statement will be made as appropriate." Simon Jones, who lives across the road, said he has "been hearing a few bangs".Mr Jones took an aerial photograph of the fire and said the blaze was "still bad", but "looks contained in the hanger, probably full of expensive cars". You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Van fire on Ducklington slip road extinguished
Van fire on slip road extinguished Emergency crews have put out a fire that engulfed a van on a slip road. Two fire engines from Witney Fire Station were sent to the scene on the A40 at Ducklington, Oxfordshire, on the entry slip heading towards Burford, shortly after midnight. Crews were faced with a "well-developed fire involving a Transit Van", according to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. It added: "Fortunately the occupants escaped to a place of safety and with assistance from TVP Roads Policing the area was made safer, whilst breathing apparatus crews using high pressured hose reels extinguished the fire."
