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Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cumbria fire service chiefs release statements following devastating Oxfordshire fire
CUMBRIA Fire and Rescue Service officials have paid tribute to their colleagues in Oxfordshire- following a devastating blaze which has taken the lives of two fire fighters. Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service release a statement this afternoon saying that the 'thoughts and prayers of everyone at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service are with the families of the two firefighters and a member of the public who sadly lost their lives in Oxfordshire last night'. It said: "We are thinking of their colleagues and friends, the crews who responded, and the two firefighters who were seriously injured in the incident." Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service announced one of its crew died while tackling the fire at Bicester Motion on Thursday, May 15 whilst London Fire Brigade confirmed the second fatality was one of its firefighters on retained duty in Oxfordshire. Two more firefighters are in hospital after suffering serious injuries. Paul Hancock, Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that two firefighters from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and a member of the public have lost their lives at an incident. 'Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected and our colleagues in Oxfordshire at this difficult time, and we send our deepest condolences. 'We also send our thoughts to the two firefighters who have sustained serious injuries in the incident and are currently in hospital.' Cumbria's Police Fire and Crime Commissioner also sent his 'deepest condolences' to the families of those affected. David Allen, Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: 'My deepest condolences go to the families who are today coming to terms with the loss of three lives following a tragic incident in Oxfordshire. 'Desperately sad events like this show the dangers our brave firefighters face to keep us safe, and the debt of gratitude we owe them for their courageous service. 'My thoughts and prayers are also with the two firefighters who have sustained serious injuries.'


Sky News
16-05-2025
- Sky News
Police name firefighters and member of public killed at former RAF base in Bicester
Two firefighters who died at a former RAF base in Bicester have been named by police as Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38. A member of the public, 57-year-old local man David Chester, was also killed. The ex-RAF base in the Oxfordshire town hosts Bicester Motion, a group of classic car restoration and engineering businesses. London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said Mr Sadler was on call for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), but was part of blue watch in Ealing, west London, where he was a leading firefighter/sub-officer. He also confirmed Ms Logan worked for the Oxfordshire service. Bicester Motion said in a statement "a close friend of the site" had died in the blaze. Emergency services were called to the scene at 6.39pm on Thursday. Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries and are being treated in hospital, said Oxfordshire County Council. Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall, from Oxfordshire Fire Service, announced the deaths earlier on Friday. "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," he said. "Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for privacy to be respected." He appeared to hold back tears as he talked about how "proud and grateful" he was for "the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel". Footage on social media showed plumes of black smoke 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 "heard loads of pops and crackles and bangs". Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said Thames Valley Police are investigating but the fire is not currently being treated as a criminal matter. Bicester Motion 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 were "devastating news" and he hoped "those in hospital make a full and swift recovery". Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said her "heart goes out to the families of those people who have lost their lives and those who are still on the front line".


Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Times
Bicester fire: two firefighters and a member of public dead after blaze
Two firefighters and a member of the public have died after a fire at a historic motoring and aviation centre at a former RAF base in Bicester, near Oxford. Two other firefighters are seriously injured, according to Oxfordshire county council. The fire started at about 6.30pm on Thursday with fire crews from Oxfordshire called out. Sir Keir Starmer said the deaths were 'devastating news', adding: 'The bravery of our firefighters is astounding.' Andy Roe, London Fire Brigade Commissioner, said one of the people who died was a top London firefighter and sub-officer who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS). Another of those who died was from OFRS, he added. Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently in