Fire Chief delivers emotional statement after three people including firefighters killed during large blaze at Bicester Heritage
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall says he's "immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multiagency response"
Last updated 16th May 2025
Three people, including two firefighters, have died during a large fire at Bicester Heritage.
Oxfordshire County Council confirmed the tragic news this morning (16 May) after the fire broke out on Thursday evening.
Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
This afternoon Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall gave an emotional statement at the scene of the fire, saying:
"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."
Elsewhere members of the public have started to lay flowers and tributes at the scene of the fire.
Three bouquets have been laid under the Bicester Motion sign.
A handwritten note read: "Thank you for your service. Our hearts are with the services and families."
The note featured hand drawn pictures of an ambulance, police officer, doctor, and firefighter.
The flowers also include a handpicked bunch of daisies.
Last night huge plume of black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky yesterday with residents reporting hearing what sounded like ‘explosions’ after one of the hangars caught fire at Bicester Heritage, a former RAF base.
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters. Families have been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for privacy to be respected.
“We cannot release any details at present but will provide further information as soon as we can.”
Earlier this morning a spokesperson for the fire service said: "The fire is still ongoing but is under control. Other support appliances remain on scene including a hydraulic platform, a water carrier, a command unit and a high volume pumping unit
"Advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows has been lifted. Roads that were previously closed are now being opened but traffic is heavy."
Matthew Barber, Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, has issued the below statement:
“Horrific news, confirmed this morning that three people have died overnight in a fire at Bicester Motion. Two Oxfordshire firefighters and a member of the public have lost their lives in the incident. Two other firefighters remain in hospital with serious injuries.
“The fire is still ongoing but under control. Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service continue to support their colleagues from Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, their families and friends at this difficult time. This tragic incident reminds us all of the bravery of the women and men of our emergency services and the risks they take each and every day to keep the rest of us safe.”
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”
Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, Tim Metcalfe, said: “This is an extremely distressing and tragic incident which has resulted in two firefighters and a member of the public losing their lives.
“The thoughts of myself and all of my colleagues at Thames Valley Police are with the family, friends and colleagues of those who have died.
“My thoughts also extend to those who have been affected by the incident, including our colleagues at Oxfordshire County Council, South Central Ambulance Service and our officers and staff who are dealing with this tragedy.
“I am also conscious of the impact this incident has had in the local community. 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 enquiries 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 enquiries at the location.
“I again offer my sincere condolences on behalf of Thames Valley Police to all those affected by this incident.”