Oxfordshire remembers three people lost in Bicester Motion fire a year on
Tributes are being paid to firefighters Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan and businessman David Chester
Last updated 15th May 2026
People in Oxfordshire and beyond are remembering the two firefighters and local businessman who lost their lives in the major fire at Bicester Motion a year ago today.
Firefighters across the country have been invited to pay tribute to Martyn Sadler, Jennie Logan and David Chester by holding a minute's silence at 6:39pm - the time that ten crews were called to scene.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall said: "We know that so many people across the nation will want to show their support.
"I encourage you to take a moment on the 15th to quietly reflect on the tragedy that unfolded a year ago and caused the devastating loss of Jennie, Martyn and Dave.
"It will forever be a reminder of what we ask of our firefighters and our emergency service colleagues."
Mr MacDougall added: "I want to thank you, our communities, for the outpouring of kindness and support that has been shown in their honour.
"The compassion shown by so many people over the last year is something we will never forget."
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) will also fall silent at its conference in Warwick today.
General Secretary Steve Wright said ahead of the anniversary: "It's close to my heart, I knew Martyn and attended the incident within an hour of it happening so we'll make sure to mark it in liaison with the families and the firefighters locally.
He said that local FBU officials have been there to help the loved ones of those who were lost as well as the firefighters who were injured throughout this extremely difficult time.
"It's that realisation and shock - the families will always remember that when they hear a siren or drive past a station," Mr Wright added.
Hangar 79 at Bicester Motion, where the fire broke out, has since been demolished and no plans to replace the building have been confirmed.
The former RAF base gave a statement on the anniversary, which says: "We stand with the nation and the whole Bicester community behind the families of Dave Chester, Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler. Their strength has been humbling and continues to be so.
"Time has not lessened the grip of sadness, nor our deep gratitude and thanks to everyone who responded at 18:39 on the tragic evening of Thursday 15 May 2025.
"Many went beyond their call of duty, including in our own team and close friends of the site. They are all at the forefront of our minds today. "
A police and health and safety investigation into the incident is also ongoing.
Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray from Thames Valley Police said: “As we reach the first anniversary of the tragic deaths of Martyn Sadler, Jennie Logan, and Dave Chester at Bicester Motion, our thoughts are with their families at this difficult time.
“We are continuing to support them and the surviving victims while conducting a thorough investigation alongside the Health and Safety Executive into the devastating incident on 15 May last year.
“We understand the impact this incident has had on the community and the desire for answers, but we regularly update the families and victims, as well as the coroner, and will inform the public of any significant updates when we can.”