Bicester fire: Outpouring of tributes for two firefighters and 'close friend' of Bicester Motion killed in blaze
An 'unexplained death investigation' has been launched by police
Last updated 16th May 2025
Emotional tributes have been payed to the three people killed last night in the fire at former RAF base, turned classic car restoration businesses, Bicester Motion.
Two firefighters and a member of the public died and two firefighters are seriously injured in hospital.
Throughout today, words of sorrow, admiration, and remembrance have poured out from not just the community in Bicester, but the emergency services, the Prime Minister, and nearby businesses, as people try to come to terms with the tragic loss of life.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the "black smoke in the sky from the other side of town."
One resident said she saw the flames from her bedroom window, and heard "various explosions".
Statement from Oxfordshire's Chief Fire Officer
In a statement read outside the former RAF base today, Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said:
"It's with a heavy heart that today we report the loss of two of our firefighters. A member of the public also sadly died in the incident. Two further fire fighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
"The families have been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time and we ask for their privacy to be respected. We can't provide any details at present, but will provide further information as soon as we can.
"We were called to the scene of the incident at 18:39 yesterday and at the height of the incident, we had 10 fire engines tackling the fire. We remain onsite with a reduced presence and the fire is under control.
"Our thoughts are with the family friends and colleagues affected during this time. I'm immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multiagency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by the emergency services personnel. Thank you."
Bicester Motion praise 'strength and kindness of the Bicester community'
Bicester motion said in a statement "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."
Thames Valley Police issue investigation update
The force have launched an unexplained death probe but it is "currently not a criminal investigation".
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, said: "We will have additional officers at the scene for a number of days to come, so if you have any concerns please speak to us.
"We have commenced an unexplained death investigation, led by our major crime team.
"This is currently not a criminal investigation, but we will follow the evidence as our inquiries continue.
"We will continue to have officers at the scene for a number of days to ensure the public remain safe.
"The fire service is still at the scene, dampening down the fire.
"Once the scene is safe, our investigators will be able to carry out inquiries at the location."
Fire Brigades Union offer condolences
Responding to the incident, Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:
“The Fire Brigades Union is aware of a tragic incident at Bicester, in which one member of the public and two firefighters have been confirmed dead.
"Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues.
“The Fire Brigades Union will provide whatever support is required in the days ahead, and in time we will investigate what happened”
South Central Ambulance Service commend those who 'dedicate their lives to protecting others every day'
David Eltringham, Chief Executive Officer said: “South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) would like to offer our sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the fire fighters and member of the public who lost their lives in last night’s fire in Bicester.
The thoughts of everyone in the service are with them, and to everyone who responded to the situation and continue to do so. We have been in contact with our partners in Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and have shared our condolences as they mourn the loss of these two firefighters.
We are also thinking of those who were injured in, or affected by, the incident.
Emergency service workers dedicate their lives to protecting others every day, but they do so with in the belief they will return home safely at the end of the day. We mourn with our colleagues and remember their bravery.
We continue to have resources on site to support those still fighting the fire."
Floral tributes and notes laid outside Bicester fire station for the 'Red Light Family'
A note left by the London Fire Brigade Retired Member Association read "rest in peace brothers, the mess table up there is ready for you."
Police officers and paramedics have also been seen laying flowers, with one note reading "To my Red Light Family, in memory of two heroes. With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Always in our thoughts, your Blue Light Family (TVP)."
A police officer, who was not on duty last night, laid flowers in "solidarity".
The officer, who did not want to be named, said: "It's just nice to know people care.
"We do the job, fire do the job for, in this case, the residents of Bicester."
A child's drawing features pictures of an ambulance, police officer, doctor, and firefighter
A child has drawn a picture of emergency works, with a hand written note reading: "Thank you for your service. Our hearts are with the services and families."
The flowers also include a handpicked bunch of daisies.
A group of school children also arrived to pay tribute at the scene.
Bicester MP honours fire fighters who 'run towards the fire to keep us safe'
Speaking at the scene, MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller said: "This is just devastating news for this community, and my heart goes out to the families and friends and colleagues of the three people who have lost their lives overnight.
"When we might be running away from an incident like this, firefighters and other members of the emergency service run towards it in order to keep the rest of us safe.
"I'm very sure that in due course the community will want to mark what's taken place and make sure there's an appropriate sign of respect and commemoration for those who have lost their lives.
"I'm sure that the many businesses that are based here will be feeling very deeply the losses that have taken place and are equally keen to consider how they can both commemorate and rebuild after this tragedy."
Prime Minister offers his condolences and sends well wishes to the firefighters in hospital
"Devastating news," the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Sir Keir added: "My thoughts are with their families and friends.
"The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery."
Service of reflection to be held at nearby church
Tonight a service of reflection will be held at nearby St Edburg's Church at 7pm, led by the Revd Peter Wright who said: “Our hearts are broken at this devastating news and we hold the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in our prayers. We share in the grief of our Bicester community at this time and offer St Edburg’s as a place for people to come and find comfort. A service of reflection will be held later today where we hope people will come together to support each other.”