The tragic deaths of two firefighters and a 57-year-old man in a fire at Bicester Motion, a business park in Oxfordshire, have prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the community and beyond. Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, lost their lives while battling the blaze on Thursday. David Chester, a father of two who worked at the site, was also killed. The fire has left two other firefighters seriously injured and hospitalized.
The bravery and sacrifice of firefighters were highlighted by Sherine Wheeler of the Fire Fighter's Charity, who described the incident as a stark reminder of the risks firefighters face daily. Both Logan and Sadler had connections to the Bicester Rugby Union Football Club, which mourned their loss and expressed condolences to their families and friends.
Floral tributes have been placed at Bicester fire station, and the community is encouraged to lay flowers in Garth Park. A book of condolence will be available at Garth House in the park starting Monday. Oxfordshire County Council, which manages the fire service, reported that the fire was brought under control by Saturday, although small pockets of smoke and heat required continued attention from fire crews.
Messages of sympathy have come from various quarters. Thames Valley Police left a heartfelt note for their "Red Light Family" in memory of the two firefighters, and a golden plaque was placed at the entrance to Bicester Motion, surrounded by flowers and messages from the public. Local resident Pam Stiddig expressed her sorrow by visiting Garth Park, while Clara Williams, a lifelong resident, struggled to comprehend the tragedy.
The impact of the incident reverberated through the community, with Oxford City Council lowering the city flag at Oxford Town Hall to half-mast. St Laurence's Church in Caversfield, near the site, opened its doors for private prayer and reflection, also providing a book of condolence. Both firefighters were part of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Sadler also served with the London Fire Brigade. London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe praised Sadler's courage and selflessness, noting his role as an instructor and retained duty firefighter.
Wheeler, from the Fire Fighter's Charity, expressed heartbreak over the event, extending condolences to the families of Logan, Sadler, and Chester. The loss has a profound impact on the fire service community, she noted, emphasizing the inherent risks firefighters face.
Bicester Motion, home to over 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration, occupies a site with historical significance as a former RAF base. Chairman Daniel Geoghegan paid tribute to the firefighters' selfless service and highlighted Chester's integral role in the community. Chester ran Chesters & Sons, a family business, and had a longstanding connection with the Bicester Motion site. Geoghegan described Chester as a friend and valued community member, known for his willingness to help others.
The Chesters & Sons website details the company's involvement in preserving the site's wartime heritage, including uncovering air raid shelters. The fire, reported around 18:30 BST on Thursday, rapidly engulfed a former aircraft hangar. At its peak, ten fire crews were engaged in battling the blaze. The cause remains unknown, and police have initiated an unexplained death investigation, though it is not considered a criminal matter.
Oxfordshire County Council has advised the public to lay flowers at Garth Park instead of fire stations or Bicester Motion to avoid disruptions. The park is open daily, and the book of condolence will be available for signing throughout the week. On Friday, Oxfordshire's Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall spoke emotionally about the deaths, expressing pride in the emergency services' response and extending condolences to all affected.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe of Thames Valley Police called the incident a tragedy and assured that officers would remain at the scene to ensure public safety. The community's collective grief and respect for the fallen heroes continue to be expressed through various gestures and memorials.
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