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Firefighters and member of public die in fire at Bicester Motion Firefighters and member of public die in fire at Bicester Motion
(31 minutes later)
Large plumes of smoke were filmed coming from one of the Bicester Motion buildingsLarge plumes of smoke were filmed coming from one of the Bicester Motion buildings
Two firefighters and a member of the public have died in a large blaze at a business park.Two firefighters and a member of the public have died in a large blaze at a business park.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said one of its crew died while tackling the fire at Bicester Motion on Thursday, whilst London Fire Brigade confirmed the second fatality was one of its firefighters on retained duty in Oxfordshire.Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said one of its crew died while tackling the fire at Bicester Motion on Thursday, whilst London Fire Brigade confirmed the second fatality was one of its firefighters on retained duty in Oxfordshire.
Two further firefighters suffered serious injures and are in hospital, Oxford County Council said.Two further firefighters suffered serious injures and are in hospital, Oxford County Council said.
Thames Valley Police said it had launched an unexplained death probe following the fire at the former RAF base, adding it was "currently not a criminal investigation".Thames Valley Police said it had launched an unexplained death probe following the fire at the former RAF base, adding it was "currently not a criminal investigation".
Paying tribute on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the families and friends of those who had died following the "devastating news".Paying tribute on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the families and friends of those who had died following the "devastating news".
He continued: "The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery."He continued: "The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery."
Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Marjorie Neasham Glasgow - who is the King's representative in the county - said: "I know that His Majesty The King would want me to pass on his sincerest condolences to all those affected by the tragic news."Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Marjorie Neasham Glasgow - who is the King's representative in the county - said: "I know that His Majesty The King would want me to pass on his sincerest condolences to all those affected by the tragic news."
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall hailed the "unwavering bravery" of emergency teamsChief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall hailed the "unwavering bravery" of emergency teams
In an emotional statement made from the site on Friday, Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: "It is with a heavy heart that we report the loss of two of our firefighters. A member of the public has also sadly died in the incident.In an emotional statement made from the site on Friday, Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: "It is with a heavy heart that we report the loss of two of our firefighters. A member of the public has also sadly died in the incident.
He said their families had been informed and being supported and asked "for their privacy to be respected".He said their families had been informed and being supported and asked "for their privacy to be respected".
"I am immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel," he continued."I am immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel," he continued.
He added he could not release any further details but would provide more information "as soon as we can".He added he could not release any further details but would provide more information "as soon as we can".
Home Office statistics show that it is only the fourth time a firefighter has died whilst tackling a blaze in England in the past 15 years.Home Office statistics show that it is only the fourth time a firefighter has died whilst tackling a blaze in England in the past 15 years.
It is also the first time two firefighters have been killed in the same incident since Jim Shears and Alan Bannon died in a fire at Shirley Towers in Southampton in April 2010.It is also the first time two firefighters have been killed in the same incident since Jim Shears and Alan Bannon died in a fire at Shirley Towers in Southampton in April 2010.
Images taken above the building show the level of destructionImages taken above the building show the level of destruction
In a statement, London Fire Brigade said it was "devastated by the loss of our colleague".In a statement, London Fire Brigade said it was "devastated by the loss of our colleague".
"We are working closely with our counterparts in Oxfordshire, providing support to the family and our crews affected by this tragic loss," it continued."We are working closely with our counterparts in Oxfordshire, providing support to the family and our crews affected by this tragic loss," it continued.
"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.""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."
Smoke could be seen from the other side of the townSmoke could be seen from the other side of the town
Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at the former RAF hangar on Thursday at about 18:30 BST, with witnesses seeing black smoke in the sky.Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at the former RAF hangar on Thursday at about 18:30 BST, with witnesses seeing black smoke in the sky.
The council said four crews remained at the scene and said the fire was now under control.The council said four crews remained at the scene and said the fire was now under control.
Advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows has been lifted.Advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows has been lifted.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described it as "an absolutely horrifying incident", adding: "I hope that we can get to the bottom of exactly what's caused this and make sure that it doesn't happen again."Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described it as "an absolutely horrifying incident", adding: "I hope that we can get to the bottom of exactly what's caused this and make sure that it doesn't happen again."
Sending his thoughts to those affected, Philip Garrigan, chief of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: "Our firefighters are the very best of us, their courage and compassion is what make them so very special."Sending his thoughts to those affected, Philip Garrigan, chief of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: "Our firefighters are the very best of us, their courage and compassion is what make them so very special."
While the Fire Brigades Union said it would provide "whatever support is required in the days ahead, and in time we will investigate what happened".While the Fire Brigades Union said it would provide "whatever support is required in the days ahead, and in time we will investigate what happened".
Bicester Motion said it was "deeply saddened to share the tragic news that two firefighters and a close friend of the site have lost their lives".Bicester Motion said it was "deeply saddened to share the tragic news that two firefighters and a close friend of the site have lost their lives".
It said there were "no words at times like this" and sent its "thoughts and prayers" to those affected.It said there were "no words at times like this" and sent its "thoughts and prayers" to those affected.
"The bravery shown by the emergency services teams has been overwhelming," the firm continued."The bravery shown by the emergency services teams has been overwhelming," the firm continued.
"We are grateful for all the support and especially the exceptional work by all in such unprecedented circumstances.""We are grateful for all the support and especially the exceptional work by all in such unprecedented circumstances."
It said the site would remain closed over the weekend "as we continue to work closely with the emergency services".It said the site would remain closed over the weekend "as we continue to work closely with the emergency services".
Emergency services remained at the scene on FridayEmergency services remained at the scene on Friday
Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, travelled from London to the site, where he told the BBC: "I understand from the fire service that firstly they are making sure everything is secure, and then of course in the fullness of time there will be an investigation."Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, travelled from London to the site, where he told the BBC: "I understand from the fire service that firstly they are making sure everything is secure, and then of course in the fullness of time there will be an investigation."
He added he was "devastated" and said his thoughts were with the families and friends of those who had died, and with the two firefighters in hospital.He added he was "devastated" and said his thoughts were with the families and friends of those who had died, and with the two firefighters in hospital.
"It's a terrible thing to have happened, and I know it's a tight-knit community who are already showing their support for those families," he said."It's a terrible thing to have happened, and I know it's a tight-knit community who are already showing their support for those families," he said.
The MP said he was "in awe of the bravery of those who put themselves in the front line whenever there is danger".The MP said he was "in awe of the bravery of those who put themselves in the front line whenever there is danger".
"It's an incredible commitment, it's an incredible path of service, and it's just so tragic that two members of that community have lost their lives," he said."It's an incredible commitment, it's an incredible path of service, and it's just so tragic that two members of that community have lost their lives," he said.
Floral tributes have been left at Bicester Fire StationFloral tributes have been left at Bicester Fire Station
Former Labour minister and Oxfordshire MP Anneliese Dodds paid tribute to the three people who died as she spoke in the House of Commons, describing it as "truly awful news".Former Labour minister and Oxfordshire MP Anneliese Dodds paid tribute to the three people who died as she spoke in the House of Commons, describing it as "truly awful news".
Speaking on behalf of herself and Miller, who left to liaise with those on the ground, Dodds said: "We both want to take this opportunity, if I may, to convey our deep sorrow and solidarity with the families of those who have died, and our fervent and heartfelt best wishes to the two firefighters who remain in a serious condition.Speaking on behalf of herself and Miller, who left to liaise with those on the ground, Dodds said: "We both want to take this opportunity, if I may, to convey our deep sorrow and solidarity with the families of those who have died, and our fervent and heartfelt best wishes to the two firefighters who remain in a serious condition.
"We're grateful for their heroism and that of their colleagues when, as ever, they run towards danger to serve us all.""We're grateful for their heroism and that of their colleagues when, as ever, they run towards danger to serve us all."
The cause of the fire is not yet knownThe cause of the fire is not yet known
Leader of Oxford City Council, Councillor Susan Brown described it as 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".Leader of Oxford City Council, Councillor Susan Brown described it as 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".
Oxford City Council has lowered the city flag, flying over Oxford Town Hall, to half-mast in tribute.Oxford City Council has lowered the city flag, flying over Oxford Town Hall, to half-mast in tribute.
St Laurence's Church, on Banbury Road in Caversfield - close to the site, said it had opened its doors "for anyone looking for a space for private prayer or for stillness and reflection" following the "tragic news". St Laurence's Church in Banbury Road, Caversfield, close to the site, said it had opened its doors "for anyone looking for a space for private prayer or for stillness and reflection" following the "tragic news".
A book of condolence has also been opened at the church, as well as at Garth House - Bicester Town Council's headquarters.
People, including members of South Central Ambulance, have left floral tributes to those affected by the incident at nearby Bicester Fire Station.People, including members of South Central Ambulance, have left floral tributes to those affected by the incident at nearby Bicester Fire Station.
Jamie Jessett, from the town, said he went to school with one of the firefighters who died, but declined to name them to the BBC.Jamie Jessett, from the town, said he went to school with one of the firefighters who died, but declined to name them to the BBC.
He said the fire was "devastating", but also that it was "amazing" to see the community come together to pay their respects.He said the fire was "devastating", but also that it was "amazing" to see the community come together to pay their respects.
"That's what we need, especially at this moment in time," he added."That's what we need, especially at this moment in time," he added.
Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blazeTen fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze
Bicester Motion is home to more than 50 specialist businesses, focused on classic car restoration and engineering. It is on the site of RAF Bicester, a former bomber station.Bicester Motion is home to more than 50 specialist businesses, focused on classic car restoration and engineering. It is on the site of RAF Bicester, a former bomber station.
The former Ministry of Defence (MoD) site was home to RAF Bomber Command in World War II and became redundant in 2004.The former Ministry of Defence (MoD) site was home to RAF Bomber Command in World War II and became redundant in 2004.
Historic England said the famous airfield ws "the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase" in Britain.Historic England said the famous airfield ws "the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase" in Britain.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Thames Valley Police said additional officers would remain at the scene "for a number of days" and urged anyone with any concerns to speak to them.Thames Valley Police said additional officers would remain at the scene "for a number of days" and urged anyone with any concerns to speak to them.
You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.