17-05-2025
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.'
