Two firefighters and member of public dead following large fire 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.

London fire commissioner Andy Roe said one of the fatalities was a leading London firefighter and sub-officer who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS).

Mr Roe said another of those who died was from OFRS.

Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently in hospital, the council added.

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the fire, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.

The council said four crews remain at the scene as the blaze is now under control.

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.”

Officers remained at the entrance of the former RAF base on Friday, and a fire engine and ambulance could be seen leaving the area while another police vehicle entered the site.

Eyewitnesses described seeing the “black” smoke in the sky from the other side of town.

Stay-at-home mum 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.

Mr 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.”

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.

In a statement, Bicester Motion 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.”

Bicester Motion confirmed the site will remain closed over the weekend.