Three Dead, Including Two Firefighters, in Devastating Bicester Fire

A devastating fire at a former RAF base in Bicester, Oxfordshire, claimed the lives of three people on Thursday, May 16, 2025. Two firefighters, Jennie Logan (30) and Martyn Sadler (38), tragically perished while battling the blaze at Bicester Motion. Local resident David Chester (57) also lost his life in the incident. The fire chief, Rob MacDougall, expressed his profound sorrow and paid tribute to the courage of all emergency service personnel involved. "Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues affected during this time," he said, visibly moved during a press conference. Residents described hearing explosions and seeing thick black smoke billowing into the sky. One resident, speaking anonymously, stated, "It was just really black smoke... and then there was just a few booms." The fire was eventually brought under control by emergency services. A book of condolences has been opened at St Edburg's Church in Bicester, a testament to the community's grief and support for the victims' families. The incident is not currently being treated as a criminal investigation, but inquiries continue.