Police have launched an unexplained death investigation after two firefighters died in a huge fire at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire.
Firefighters rushed to tackle the inferno at Bicester Motion on Thursday at 6.39pm, where towering flames and thick black smoke was reported by terrified residents.
A member of the public also died, and two more firefighters were taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to Oxfordshire County Council. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Thames Valley Police have launched an unexplained death probe but it is “currently not a criminal investigation”, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said.
An emotional Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer, told reporters at the scene: “Our thoughts are with the familes, friends and colleagues affected during this time.
“I'm immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all his service personnel.”
The 444-acre former Second World War RAF Bomber Training Station site was bought and redeveloped by Bicester Motion in 2013.
Since then, it has been used by over 50 businesses involved in the aviation and automotive industries. The company said a “close friend” of the site died in the fire.
Key Points
- Police launch unxplained death investigation
- Oxfordshire fire chief tears up as he gives update
- Bicester Motion fire is now under control, say authorities
- Three dead including two firefighters, says council
- 'Close friend' of business park died, says company
‘Pretty devastating’: Councillor pays tribute
15:59 , Jabed AhmedSam Holland, a councillor for the East Ward of Bicester Town Council, said he was around three-quarters of a mile from the scene when the fire broke out.
Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Cllr Holland said: “You could see pretty significant smoke plumes rising across northern Bicester, so it was clear very early on that this was going to be a serious fire.”
He added that as the night went on, the situation worsened. “The smell across town was pretty acrid and the advice from the fire service was to stay indoors and close windows.”
Describing the evening as “pretty devastating”, Cllr Holland said hearing the news the following morning was “just awful”.
He added that Bicester Town Council “pays full tribute” to those who died, as well as their friends and colleagues in Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
‘Devastating news’: MP pays tribute to victims
15:39 , Jabed AhmedSpeaking at the scene outside Bicester Motion, 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.”
Police launch unxplained death investigation
15:15 , Jabed AhmedThames Valley Police have launched an unexplained death probe following the fire in Bicester 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.”
Public lay flowers at the scene
14:59 , Jabed AhmedMembers of the public have started to lay flowers and tributes at the scene of the fire in Bicester in which three people, including two firefighters, were killed.
Three bouquets have been laid under the Bicester Motion sign outside the former RAF base where there is still a heavy police presence.
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.
Watch | Oxfordshire fire chief tears up in tribute to colleagues who died after Bicester blaze: ‘Unwavering bravery’
14:43 , Jabed Ahmed
Oxfordshire fire chief tears up in tribute to colleagues who died in Bicester
Local resident says she heard 'various explosions'
14:24 , Jabed AhmedStay-at-home mum Julie Stocker said she saw the flames from her bedroom window, and heard “various explosions”.
The 46-year-old, who lives across the road from Bicester Motion, said: “We could hear the crackle of the fire and then obviously the various explosions and stuff.
“(The smoke) was going very high. It was a mixture of white smoke and then really thick black smoke.”
She said the site where the fire took place is usually “very busy” and has seen workers being turned away by police this morning.
‘Thank god he’s safe’: family of firefighter relieved after fire
14:03 , Jabed AhmedBicester resident Aisha Lang said her cousin, a firefighter, was at the scene on Thursday night but is safe.
Ms Lang, 45, said: “I know my cousin was there because he is a firefighter.
“He was up there and I know that he’s safe, but that’s all I know really.
“I haven’t heard anything from him because I was in London last night and working today.
“But thank god he’s safe though, he made it out all right.”
Recap: Huge blaze at former RAF base kills three
13:48 , Alexander ButlerA huge blaze at a former RAF bomber base used by at least 50 businesses killed two firefighters and one member of the public.
Ten fire engines rushed to Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire, at 6.39pm on Thursday after residents heard “explosions” and saw thick black smoke billowing from the site.
On Friday, aerial photos showed a hangar as a burnt out shell, as a smaller workforce remained in the area to investigate the cause of the blaze.
Kemi Badenoch speaks after 'horrifying' blaze
13:41 , Alexander ButlerKemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has paid tribute to the people who have died in a large fire at a former RAF base in Bicester.
Speaking to reporters at the Welsh Conservative conference in Llangollen, she said: “I think it’s an absolutely horrifying incident
“My heart goes out to the families of those people who have lost their lives and those who are still on the front line, because I understand the fire is still going, and I hope that we can get to the bottom of exactly what’s caused this and make sure that it doesn’t happen again.”
Oxfordshire fire chief tears up as he gives update
13:19 , Alexander ButlerOxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Rob MacDougall gave an emotional tribute to his colleagues as he gave an update on the blaze.
As his voice broke, Mr MacDougall said: “I am immensely proud and grateful for the unwavering bravery by all emergency service personnel.”
Two firefighters and a member of the public died in the huge inferno that ripped through Bicester Motion on Thursday evening.
Pictured: Aerial images show devastation of hangar
13:04 , Alexander ButlerElectrician ‘couldn’t breathe’ as he saw ‘brave’ fire brigade pouring into site
12:52 , Athena StavrouAn electrician who was one of the first people at the site of the fire described how fire brigades “poured in” to the site amid thick smoke.
Fatih Ozzoksel, known as Ozzy, said he saw “massive plumes of smoke” from his garden on Thursday night.
The 54-year-old went straight to the site where he saw dozens of emergency service vehicles arrive as fire fighters “came pouring in”.
“The smoke was unreal, I couldn’t breathe,” he told The Independent. “There were explosions that just wouldn’t stop for at least an hour and a half. One sounded like thunder, I think it was a roof collapsing.”
The owner of Ozzy Engineers, who sometimes visits the pub on the site, said he “had never seen anything like this” in his life, but did not realise how serious the incident was until this morning.
“I feel so sorry for the people who lost their lives. Their bravery was unreal they were literally pouring in,” he said.
“The health and safety in this country is so strict its hard to know how something like this could happen. It really surprised me.”
London firefighter killed in blaze, says LFB
12:45 , Alexander ButlerOne of those killed in Bicester was a London firefighter on “retained duty” with the Oxfordshire fire service, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.
LFB commissioner Andy Roe said: “Following the terrible news from Oxfordshire that two firefighters have died in the line of duty, alongside a member of the public, it is with great sadness that I can confirm that one of those who lost their lives is a London leading firefighter/sub officer, who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague, and our thoughts remain with the families and friends of all those impacted by this incident.
“We are working closely with our counterparts in Oxfordshire, providing support to the family and our crews affected by this tragic loss.
“Our sincere condolences go out to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who also sadly lost a firefighter at this incident, with a further two colleagues in hospital.”
Watch: Huge smoke clouds billow from Bicester fire as three die in former RAF base blaze
12:37 , Alexander ButlerLocal councillors respond to ‘devastating’ fire
12:29 , Athena StavrouLocal councillors in Bicester are responding to the “devastating” fire at a former RAF base, Bicester Motion.
Three people including two firefighters have died after “explosions” were heard as a huge fire ripped through the site on Thursday evening.
“It’s a very sad event,” Councillor Chris Pruden told The Independent.
The Liberal Democrat councillor for Bicester South and Ambrosden added: “We’re all thinking about the families involved and how devastating it must be.”
A member of the public also died, and two more firefighters were taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to Oxfordshire County Council.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.He added that more information on the fire is expected at around 1pm.
Gin bar worked throughout night to give firefighters tea and coffee
12:15A gin bar worked through the night to provide firefighters with hot drinks and shelter.
Sky Wave, which is based inside Bicester Motion, stayed open until 2.30am offering tea and coffee to emergency workers.
“We want to thank each and every one of them for their incredible service and bravery,” the company said.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of three deaths last night at Bicester Motion.”
“Our thoughts are with the families of those who have died, and also with those injured.”
Fire Brigades Union to investigate tragedy
11:55The Fire Brigades Union is set to investigate the blaze that claimed the lives of two firefighters and a “close friend” of the former RAF base site.
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”
What is Bicester Motion?
11:41 , Alexander ButlerBicester Motion is the custodian of a 444-acre former Second World War RAF Bomber Training Station site in Oxfordshire.
The company bought the property in 2013 and redeveloped it after Historic England warned it was at risk of falling into disrepair.
Since then, it has been used by over 50 businesses involved in the aviation and automotive industries.
'Firefighters are the best of us', says fire chiefs council
11:36 , Alexander ButlerPhilip Garrigan, chief of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “I am devastated by the news that two firefighters have lost their lives responding to a major incident in Bicester on Thursday evening. I am also deeply saddened that a member of the public has also died in the incident.
“Our firefighters are the very best of us, their courage and compassion is what make them so very special.
“My thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”
'Devastating', Bicester MP pays tribute to those killed in fire
11:24MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller said in a statement: “I am heartbroken to learn that three people lost their lives in the fire yesterday at Bicester Motion.
“My deep condolences go to the family and friends who are now grieving their loss.
“I want to pay tribute to the bravery of our firefighters and emergency services. It is terrible that two fire officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“The death of colleagues will be felt by all in the fire service family and I am holding them in my thoughts.
“This is a devastating moment for our community. I know it will express its support and care for all those affected.”
'It is heartbreaking', says resident who watched flames from his house
11:12 , Alexander ButlerVikas Talwar, 40, who lives in a housing estate near Bicester Motion, could see the fire from the street corner outside his house.
He said: “There was a lot of smoke yesterday. Lots of people were gathering here on the corner but a lot of smoke was coming out.
“There was flames on the roof, on the top of the roof, and a huge big cloud of smoke in the air. I could see it from this corner near my house.”
Speaking of those who died in the fire, he added: “It’s so sad. It’s very heartbreaking. We have sympathy with the people involved.
“I can see there was a quick reaction by the fire brigade and ambulance teams when they came in. I saw the air ambulances in the air in the evening.”
Residents react to 'devastating' deaths of firefighters
11:11 , Alexander ButlerJulie Stocker saw the flames from her bedroom window and described the deaths as “devastating”.
The 46-year-old, who lives across the road from Bicester Motion, said: “We could hear the crackle of the fire and then obviously the various explosions and stuff.
“(The smoke) was going very high. It was a mixture of white smoke and then really thick black smoke.
“We were praying that obviously no-one was injured, but sadly that’s not the case. It’s devastating.”
The stay-at-home mother said she is concerned about her relatives living in Bicester where the “potentially hazardous” smoke was blown.
She said the site where the fire took place is usually “very busy” and has seen workers being turned away by police on Friday morning.
Watch: Two firefighters and member of public dead after large fire at ex-RAF base
11:05'Close friend' of Bicester Motion died
11:02 , Alexander ButlerA close friend of Bicester Motion, the company that manages the former RAF base, died in the blaze.
The 444-acre site former Second World War RAF Bomber Training Station was bought and redeveloped by the organisation in 2013.
Since then, it has been used by over 50 businesses involved in the aviation and automotive industries.
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.”
Sir Keir Starmer pays tribute to firefighters following former RAF base blaze
10:56 , Alexander ButlerSir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the two firefighters who died while tackling a blaze at a former RAF base.
“Devastating news,” the prime minister wrote on social media.
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.”
Devastating news.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 16, 2025
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.https://t.co/BTUQqX54IY
'I heard lots of bangs. It was crazy,' says resident
10:51 , Alexander ButlerEllie, a 26-year-old who lives across the road from the site, also said she saw plumes of smoke coming from the buildings on Thursday evening.
She said: “There was a big black plume of smoke coming out of there. I heard loads of pops and crackles and bangs. It was quite bad.
“It was so weird because I had my blinds shut at the time and I was like what is going on. It was crazy and then I looked out the window and saw it.”
Pictured: Thick black smoke billows above former RAF base
10:49 , Alexander Butler
Fire is now under control, say authorities
10:45 , Alexander ButlerThe fire that ripped through Bicester Motion - described as the “most complete example of an RAF airbase” by Historic England, has been brought under control.
Ten fire crews rushed to the inferno after being called at 6.39pm on Thursday. Four crews remain at the scene with the fire now under control, according to Oxfordshire County Council.
Two other firefighters were rushed to hospital with serious injuries after tackling the blaze.
Three dead including two firefighters, says council
10:42 , Alexander ButlerThree people including two firefighters have died in a huge inferno that ripped through a former RAF base on Thursday evening.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service rushed to Bicester Motion, a site used by businesses, at around 6pm on Thursday night.
Residents and witnesses described seeing massive plumes of smoke billowing from the building, as well as hearing “multiple explosions” coming from the site.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. It is unclear how the firefighters or member of the public died.
On Friday, Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters.”
