BLAZE TRAGEDY
Hero firefighters killed alongside local man in horrific blaze at ex-RAF base are pictured as tributes pour in
The three victims perished in the devastating blaze on Thursday night
TWO HEROIC firefighters who died alongside a member of the public in a horrific blaze at a former RAF base have been pictured.
Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, perished in the blaze along with local man David Chester, 57, after "explosions" were heard at the site in Bicester, Oxfordshire, late on Thursday.
18
18
18
18
Jennie worked with Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service while Martyn served with both Jennie in Oxfordshire and with The London Fire Brigade.
Tributes have poured in for the victims of the blaze, with Martyn's cousin paying tribute to his "role model and hero".
Writing on Facebook, he said: "Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming number of messages following the devastating loss of my cousin, colleague, role model and hero Martyn Sadler at the fire in Bicester last night."
Daniel Geoghegan, CEO of Bicester Motion also gave an emotional tribute to the lives lost in the tragedy.
Read More on UK News
He said: "The last 24 hours have been tragic in so many ways.
For the families of those we have lost, the incredible and brave emergency services who have worked tirelessly, our team who has worked relentlessly and the wider Bicester and Oxfordshire community which has shown the most generous support and kindness.
"I wanted to first pay tribute to the three lives that have been lost.
"To Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, the two firefighters who so bravely tackled the scene. The epitome of selfless service.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.
Most read in The Sun
"They have gone above and beyond under unprecedented circumstances.
"No words can ever make up for what has happened, but they are all very much in our hearts."
Daniel added: "And to Dave Chester, who ran Chesters & Sons his family business, who has had a long history with the estate - indeed from man and boy.
"He joined us 12 years ago when we first bought the site and, with his wife and two sons, has been a pillar of our whole business community.
"We considered him a member of our team, part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all.
"Whenever you had a question, you would “just ask Dave”, not just him but his whole family as they all cared about this place just as much as we do.
"Our whole community used to say that “Dave always had our back.” Yesterday, he was doing just that – the epitome of his selfless spirit.
"We will cherish you Dave and you will be sorely missed, and we send our utmost love to Sue, Jordan and Riley."
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.
Cops said: "Last night (15/5) a major incident was declared following a fire at the Bicester Heritage at Bicester Motion site on Buckingham Road.
"Two firefighters from the fire service tragically died in the line of duty while attending this incident.
"A third person, who is a member of the public, also sadly died in the incident, while two other firefighters have been injured and are being treated in hospital."
18
18
18
18
Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, Tim Metcalfe, added: "This is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police are with the families, friends and colleagues of Jennie Logan of the Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Martyn Sadler of the London Fire Brigade, and member of the public, David Chester, who have died in this incident."
On Friday, 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.
18
18
18
18
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".
Resident Vikas Talway, 40, told the 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."
18
18
18
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 Sun
"This is a devastating moment for our community.
"I know it will express its support and care for all those affected."
18
18
18
Topics