Latest news with #RobMacDougall
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Firefighters and local man killed in horrific blaze at former RAF base are named as chief fights back tears over tragedy
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TWO firefighters and the member of the public killed in a horrific blaze at a former RAF base have been named. Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died alongside local man David Chester, 57, after "explosions" were heard at the site in Oxfordshire late on Thursday. 15 Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall gave an emotional statement 15 Pictures show the devastation left behind a huge fire Bicester Credit: Dan Charity 15 The blaze erupted at 6.39pm Credit: SWNS 15 Neighbours saw black smoke billowing above the buildings Credit: UKNIP 15 Ten fire crews desperately fought the fire Jennie worked with Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service while Martyn served with both Jennie in Oxfordshire and with The London Fire Brigade. In a statement from Thames Valley Police tonight, the force explained it had commenced an unexplained death investigation into the tragedy. It added that the investigation was currently not criminal, but that evidence could change this. Earlier today, Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall commended his colleagues for their " unwavering bravery" as he gave an emotional statement Fighting back tears, he said: "A member of the public also sadly died in the incident. "Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital. "Ten fire crews attended the incident at Bicester Motion having been called to the scene at 18:39. Four crews remain at the scene with the fire now under control." RAF Bicester was predominantly used as a training site, but became redundant in 2004. The 350 acre former airfield in Oxfordshire became an active station over a century ago in 1917. Nineteen of the buildings on the site are Grade II listed and some structures are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Bicester Heritage, more commonly known as Bicester Motion, is home to more than 50 specialist businesses which centre around classic car restoration and engineering. Historic England describes the iconic site as "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. Molly Pipe told the BBC that the smoke could horrifically be smelt "from perhaps half a mile away". 15 The gargantuan fire in Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire 15 Aerial pictures show the extent of the fire damage Credit: ITV News 15 Emergency services working hard at the scene last night Credit: PA 15 Cops at the scene after the fire Credit: PA Resident Vikas Talway, 40, told the Daily Mail he could see the fire from the street. 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." Bicester resident Nav Jordan, 39, said she was "really worried" when she could see smoke from her garden. She told the PA news agency: "We were actually in the garden with the kids and then all of a sudden we saw the flames glowing up at the back, and we did wonder what it was. "We were quite concerned if it was one of the houses over there, because we know all the neighbours and everyone in the local area. "So, my husband went for a walk just to go have a look and just saw the flames sort of going up." She added: "You could hear the crackling, it was loud. There were a few explosions as well. Sounds of things exploding, which is when we worked out it must have been Bicester Heritage." On the casualties, Ms Jordan added: "It's just really sad. I think it's because we all thought because it's Bicester Heritage we just assumed it was no-one's house, and because we know that building tends to be quite empty in the day we just assumed it would be fine. "To wake up to the news today, it's just so so sad, especially with two firefighters there trying to fight it." And Sam Holland, a local councillor, described seeing the blaze "from a distance". Bicester Motion released a statement praising the teams bravery. It 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." 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." 15 Emergency services at the scene Credit: PA 15 At least 10 fire and rescue teams tackled the inferno 15 A police car near to the scene of a fire at Bicester Aerodrome, the site of the former RAF Bicester, in Oxfordshire Credit: PA 15 Police car at the scene Credit: PA 15 Clouds of smoke seen near the scene of the horror blaze
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Firefighters and local man killed in horrific blaze at former RAF base are named as chief fights back tears over tragedy
TWO firefighters and the member of the public killed in a horrific blaze at a former RAF base have been named. Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died alongside local man David Chester, 57, after "explosions" were heard at the site in Oxfordshire late on Thursday. 15 Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall gave an emotional statement 15 Pictures show the devastation left behind a huge fire Bicester Credit: Dan Charity 15 The blaze erupted at 6.39pm Credit: SWNS 15 Neighbours saw black smoke billowing above the buildings Credit: UKNIP 15 Ten fire crews desperately fought the fire Jennie worked with Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service while Martyn served with both Jennie in Oxfordshire and with The London Fire Brigade. In a statement from Thames Valley Police tonight, the force explained it had commenced an unexplained death investigation into the tragedy. It added that the investigation was currently not criminal, but that evidence could change this. Earlier today, Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall commended his colleagues for their " unwavering bravery" as he gave an emotional statement Fighting back tears, he said: "A member of the public also sadly died in the incident. "Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital. "Ten fire crews attended the incident at Bicester Motion having been called to the scene at 18:39. Four crews remain at the scene with the fire now under control." RAF Bicester was predominantly used as a training site, but became redundant in 2004. Most read in The Sun The 350 acre former airfield in Oxfordshire became an active station over a century ago in 1917. Nineteen of the buildings on the site are Grade II listed and some structures are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Bicester Heritage, more commonly known as Bicester Motion, is home to more than 50 specialist businesses which centre around classic car restoration and engineering. Historic England describes the iconic site as "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. Molly Pipe told the BBC that the smoke could horrifically be smelt "from perhaps half a mile away". 15 The gargantuan fire in Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire 15 Aerial pictures show the extent of the fire damage Credit: ITV News 15 Emergency services working hard at the scene last night Credit: PA 15 Cops at the scene after the fire Credit: PA Resident Vikas Talway, 40, told the 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." Bicester resident Nav Jordan, 39, said she was "really worried" when she could see smoke from her garden. She told the PA news agency: "We were actually in the garden with the kids and then all of a sudden we saw the flames glowing up at the back, and we did wonder what it was. "We were quite concerned if it was one of the houses over there, because we know all the neighbours and everyone in the local area. "So, my husband went for a walk just to go have a look and just saw the flames sort of going up." She added: "You could hear the crackling, it was loud. There were a few explosions as well. Sounds of things exploding, which is when we worked out it must have been Bicester Heritage." On the casualties, Ms Jordan added: "It's just really sad. I think it's because we all thought because it's Bicester Heritage we just assumed it was no-one's house, and because we know that building tends to be quite empty in the day we just assumed it would be fine. "To wake up to the news today, it's just so so sad, especially with two firefighters there trying to fight it." And Sam Holland , a local councillor, described seeing the blaze "from a distance". Bicester Motion released a statement praising the teams bravery. It 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." 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. Read more on the Irish Sun "This is a devastating moment for our community. "I know it will express its support and care for all those affected." 15 Emergency services at the scene Credit: PA 15 At least 10 fire and rescue teams tackled the inferno 15 A police car near to the scene of a fire at Bicester Aerodrome, the site of the former RAF Bicester, in Oxfordshire Credit: PA 15 Police car at the scene Credit: PA 15 Clouds of smoke seen near the scene of the horror blaze 15 The charred building was a former RAF base
The Independent
16-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Watch: Oxfordshire fire chief tears up in tribute to colleagues who died after Bicester blaze: ‘Unwavering bravery'
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's (OFRS) chief fire officer Rob MacDougall teared up as he paid tribute to firefighters who died in a fire at a former RAF base on Thursday (15 May). Two firefighters died while tackling the blaze at Bicester Motion. A member of the public has also died. London fire commissioner Andy Roe said one of the fatalities was a leading London firefighter and sub-officer who was on retained duty with OFRS, and another of those who died was from OFRS. Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital. Speaking on Friday, Mr MacDougall hailed the "unwavering bravery" of the emergency services. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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.
The Independent
16-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Bicester fire latest: Fire chief shares emotional tribute after three killed in blaze at ex-RAF base
An emotional fire chief has hailed the 'unwavering bravery' of his firefighters after two died in a huge fire at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire. Firefighters rushed to tackle the inferno at Bicester Motion on Thursday at 6.39pm, where towering flames and thick black smoke was reported by terrified residents. A member of the public also died, and two more firefighters were taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to Oxfordshire County Council. The cause of the fire is under investigation. An emotional Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer, told reporters at the scene: 'Our thoughts are with the familes, friends and colleagues affected during this time. 'I'm immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all his service personnel.' The 444-acre former Second World War RAF Bomber Training Station site was bought and redeveloped by Bicester Motion in 2013. Since then, it has been used by over 50 businesses involved in the aviation and automotive industries. The company said a 'close friend' of the site died in the fire. Kemi Badenoch speaks after 'horrifying' blaze Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has paid tribute to the people who have died in a large fire at a former RAF base in Bicester. Speaking to reporters at the Welsh Conservative conference in Llangollen, she said: 'I think it's an absolutely horrifying incident 'My heart goes out to the families of those people who have lost their lives and those who are still on the front line, because I understand the fire is still going, and I hope that we can get to the bottom of exactly what's caused this and make sure that it doesn't happen again.' Alexander Butler16 May 2025 13:41 Oxfordshire fire chief tears up as he gives update Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Rob MacDougall gave an emotional tribute to his colleagues as he gave an update on the blaze. As his voice broke, Mr MacDougall said: 'I am immensely proud and grateful for the unwavering bravery by all emergency service personnel.' Two firefighters and a member of the public died in the huge inferno that ripped through Bicester Motion on Thursday evening. Pictured: Aerial images show devastation of hangar 16 May 2025 13:04 Electrician 'couldn't breathe' as he saw 'brave' fire brigade pouring into site An electrician who was one of the first people at the site of the fire described how fire brigades 'poured in' to the site amid thick smoke. Fatih Ozzoksel, known as Ozzy, said he saw 'massive plumes of smoke' from his garden on Thursday night. The 54-year-old went straight to the site where he saw dozens of emergency service vehicles arrive as fire fighters 'came pouring in'. 'The smoke was unreal, I couldn't breathe,' he told The Independent. 'There were explosions that just wouldn't stop for at least an hour and a half. One sounded like thunder, I think it was a roof collapsing.' The owner of Ozzy Engineers, who sometimes visits the pub on the site, said he 'had never seen anything like this' in his life, but did not realise how serious the incident was until this morning. 'I feel so sorry for the people who lost their lives. Their bravery was unreal they were literally pouring in,' he said. 'The health and safety in this country is so strict its hard to know how something like this could happen. It really surprised me.' Athena Stavrou16 May 2025 12:52 London firefighter killed in blaze, says LFB One of those killed in Bicester was a London firefighter on 'retained duty' with the Oxfordshire fire service, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. LFB commissioner Andy Roe said: 'Following the terrible news from Oxfordshire that two firefighters have died in the line of duty, alongside a member of the public, it is with great sadness that I can confirm that one of those who lost their lives is a London leading firefighter/sub officer, who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. 'We are devastated by the loss of our colleague, and our thoughts remain with the families and friends of all those impacted by this incident. 'We are working closely with our counterparts in Oxfordshire, providing support to the family and our crews affected by this tragic loss. 'Our sincere condolences go out to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who also sadly lost a firefighter at this incident, with a further two colleagues in hospital.' Alexander Butler16 May 2025 12:45 Watch: Huge smoke clouds billow from Bicester fire as three die in former RAF base blaze Alexander Butler16 May 2025 12:37 Local councillors respond to 'devastating' fire Local councillors in Bicester are responding to the 'devastating' fire at a former RAF base, Bicester Motion. Three people including two firefighters have died after 'explosions' were heard as a huge fire ripped through the site on Thursday evening. 'It's a very sad event,' Councillor Chris Pruden told The Independent. The Liberal Democrat councillor for Bicester South and Ambrosden added: 'We're all thinking about the families involved and how devastating it must be.' A member of the public also died, and two more firefighters were taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to Oxfordshire County Council. The cause of the fire is under added that more information on the fire is expected at around 1pm. Athena Stavrou16 May 2025 12:29 Gin bar worked throughout night to give firefighters tea and coffee A gin bar worked through the night to provide firefighters with hot drinks and shelter. Sky Wave, which is based inside Bicester Motion, stayed open until 2.30am offering tea and coffee to emergency workers. 'We want to thank each and every one of them for their incredible service and bravery,' the company said. 'We are deeply saddened by the news of three deaths last night at Bicester Motion.' 'Our thoughts are with the families of those who have died, and also with those injured.' 16 May 2025 12:15 Fire Brigades Union to investigate tragedy The Fire Brigades Union is set to investigate the blaze that claimed the lives of two firefighters and a 'close friend' of the former RAF base site. Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, 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' 16 May 2025 11:55 What is Bicester Motion? Bicester Motion is the custodian of a 444-acre former Second World War RAF Bomber Training Station site in Oxfordshire. The company bought the property in 2013 and redeveloped it after Historic England warned it was at risk of falling into disrepair. Since then, it has been used by over 50 businesses involved in the aviation and automotive industries.
