Victims of Bicester Motion fire named
Three people were killed in the fire at the former RAF base in Oxfordshire
Last updated 16th May 2025
Thames Valley Police has named the three people killed in a fire at a business park in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
A major incident was declared last night (Thursday) following the blaze at the Bicester Heritage at Bicester Motion site on Buckingham Road.
Jennie Logan, 30, of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service and Martyn Sadler, 38, of both Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue and The London Fire Brigade were killed in the line of duty.
A member of public - David Chester, 57, from Bicester - also died.
Thames Valley Police said the families were being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
Two other firefighters have been injured and are being treated in hospital.
Detectives have started an unexplained death investigation, which is currently not a criminal investigation.
The force said it would "continue to have officers at the scene for a number of days to ensure the public remain safe."
The statement added: "The fire and rescue 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."
Assistant Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, Tim Metcalfe, said: “This is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police are with the families, friends and colleagues of Jennie Logan of the Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Martyn Sadler of the London Fire Brigade, and member of the public, David Chester, who have died in this incident.”
Daniel Geoghegan, CEO, Bicester Motion said: “The last 24 hours have been tragic in so many ways.
"For the families of those we have lost, the incredible and brave emergency services who have worked tirelessly, our team who has worked relentlessly and the wider Bicester and Oxfordshire community which has shown the most generous support and kindness.
"I wanted to first pay tribute to the three lives that have been lost. To Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, the two firefighters who so bravely tackled the scene. The epitome of selfless service.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. They have gone above and beyond under unprecedented circumstances. No words can ever make up for what has happened, but they are all very much in our hearts.
"And to Dave Chester, who ran Chesters & Sons his family business, who has had a long history with the estate - indeed from man and boy.
"He joined us 12 years ago when we first bought the site and, with his wife and two sons, has been a pillar of our whole business community.
"We considered him a member of our team, part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all. Whenever you had a question, you would “just ask Dave”, not just him but his whole family as they all cared about this place just as much as we do.
"Our whole community used to say that “Dave always had our back.” Yesterday, he was doing just that – the epitome of his selfless spirit.
"We will cherish you Dave and you will be sorely missed, and we send our utmost love to Sue, Jordan and Riley."
Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at 6.39pm, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Neasham Glasgow, said the King would want to "pass on his sincerest condolences to all those affected".
Members of the public started to lay flowers and tributes at the scene of the fire on Friday.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the deaths as "devastating news", adding: "The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery."
Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall gave an emotional statement at the scene of the fire, saying: "I am immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel."