A fire at Bicester Motion has claimed three lives. It has been confirmed that two firefighters and a member of the public have died during the incident, with a further two firefighters being treated in hospital for injuries.
The three individuals who lost their lives have now been named. Dave Chester, 57, was a member of the well-known family firm Chester & Sons, specialists in groundworks and fencing. The company had long been associated with the Bicester Heritage site, undertaking contracted works on behalf of English Heritage and Bicester Heritage over many years. Also confirmed are firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, and Martyn Sadler, 38, who served with both Oxfordshire and the London Fire Brigade.
Emergency services were called to Bicester Motion, located in Oxfordshire, on 15 May after a fire broke out in one of the former RAF base’s historic hangars at around 6.30pm. Nearby residents described seeing thick smoke, ash falling from the sky and ‘loud explosions’. The fire raged into the night, but the ten fire and rescue crews in attendance were eventually able to control the blaze.
Videos show flames consuming the structure, with helicopters surveying the scene and police, fire and ambulance services responding in force. Bicester Motion issued a statement around 9pm, confirming the incident and stating that it is working closely with the emergency services. The full extent of the damage is not yet known.
It’s currently thought that the fire started in Building 79, one of the two smaller hangars on the site, used for storage of vehicles and parts – not to be confused with the larger Historit storage hangar, which is unaffected. It can be seen on the left-hand side of this map from a 2022 event at the site, showing that the hangar is a short distance from the surround buildings, which are thought to be unaffected.
Daniel Geoghegan, CEO, Bicester Motion issued the following statement:
‘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. 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.
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.
We continue to pray for the two firefighters in hospital. Today we mourn together as a whole community and as an extended family. We will always remember with love those who selflessly served.
Thank you everyone for your support.’
Founded in 2013 on the site of a disused RAF base, Bicester Heritage has become one of the UK’s most significant hubs for historic motoring. The site has grown to encompass more than 50 specialist businesses and regularly hosts events such as the Scramble. In recent years, the wider Bicester Motion development has expanded to include new buildings and modern automotive facilities.
