Prime Minister pays tribute to firefighters killed in Bicester
A member of the public also died during a fire that broke out on Thursday
Last updated 16th May 2025
The Prime Minister has paid tribute to two firefighters who died while dealing with a large fire in Bicester.
"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."
Oxfordshire County Council said the two firefighters died while tackling the blaze at Bicester Motion on Thursday. A member of the public also died.
Two further firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the fire, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.
The council said four crews remain at the scene as the blaze is now under control.
Officers remained at the entrance of the former RAF base on Friday, and a fire engine and ambulance could be seen leaving the area while another police vehicle entered the site.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the "black" smoke in the sky from the other side of town.
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."
A social media user shared images of massive black plumes of smoke coming from the site - adding they had heard "multiple explosions".
Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion - formerly known as Bicester Heritage - said he heard "multiple bangs" and saw a plume of smoke while out walking.
Historic England claims the famous airfield is "the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase" in Britain.
The site is now home to classic car restoration and engineering businesses.
In a statement, Bicester Motion said: "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."
Bicester Motion confirmed the site will remain closed over the weekend.
Labour former minister and Oxfordshire MP Anneliese Dodds paid tribute to the firefighters who died in the line of duty as she spoke in the House of Commons.
The Oxford East MP said: "Since I have been in the chamber, I have received some truly awful news that three people died last night in a fire in Bicester, including two members of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
"The Member for Bicester (Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat) has had to leave the chamber to liaise with those on the ground.
"We both want to take this opportunity, if I may, to convey our deep sorrow and solidarity with the families of those who have died, and our fervent and heartfelt best wishes to the two firefighters who remain in a serious condition.
"We're grateful for their heroism and that of their colleagues when, as ever, they run towards danger to serve us all."
'We owe them a deep debt of gratitude'
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council released the following statement:
Statement on the fire at Bicester Motion
“On behalf of Oxford City Council and the City of Oxford, I want to express my condolences to the families of those firefighters, and the member of the public, who have tragically lost their lives in the fire at Bicester Motion.
“This is a terrible reminder for us all that firefighters, as well as the other members of the emergency services, put themselves at risk on a daily basis, to protect us all. We own them a deep debt of gratitude.
“We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with the family, colleagues and friends of those we have lost in this tragic incident.”
Oxford City Council has lowered the City Flag flying over the 1930’s extension of Oxford Town Hall to half-mast today to mourn the loss.