The family of a firefighter killed in a blaze in Bicester last week have described her as a “loving, caring, thoughtful person” who was a “force to be reckoned with”.
Jennie Logan, 30, of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, died in the major incident at Bicester Motion on Thursday alongside fellow firefighter Martyn Sadler, 38, and member of the public David Chester, 57.
In a statement released by Thames Valley Police, Ms Logan’s mother, father and sister Emilie said: “Jennie was a much loved daughter to us, her sister, Emilie, and ‘Mum’ to her beloved dog, Mouse.
“We still can’t believe we’ll never see her again, driving around Bicester collecting her dogs, which were like a second family.
“Also, at such a young age, setting up her own dog business and making it such a success, was truly inspirational to us all.
“She found her calling three years ago when she joined the fire service where she could use her incredible strength and determination.
“Jennie was a force to be reckoned with but to everyone who knew her, she was such a loving, caring, thoughtful person, who would do anything and everything to help.”
The fire was reported at around 18.30pm last Thursday and spread rapidly through the former aircraft hangar, which now houses specialist businesses focused on engineering and classic car restoration.
Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at 6.39pm on Thursday, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.
Explosions had been heard around the time of the incident, while residents described seeing “apocalyptic” black smoke rising above the area.
Two further firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said previously.
The family of Mr Chester previously paid tribute to him as a “hero”, after he died while helping fire crews to extinguish the blaze.
In a statement, they said: “Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help. This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening, he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation.
“He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself.
“Although he is no longer with us, he will always be in our hearts and his legacy will continue.”
A golden plaque has been installed at the entrance to the site, with a tribute reading: “Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. BicesterMotion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the sad loss of two firefighters and the member of the public. Love from the Bicester community.”
In a statement, Paul Jaggers, chairman of Bicester Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC), of which both Ms Logan and Mr Sadler had been involved, praised their commitment and enthusiasm to the sport in a tribute on behalf of the club.
He said Mr Sadler, who had been involved with the rugby club for more than 20 years and played senior men’s rugby for more than 10 years, always brought his “infectious smile and energy to every game”.
A fundraiser, set up by Bicester RUFC for the Fire Fighters Charity in memory of Mr Sadler and Mr Logan, has raised more than £8,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Fire investigators and Thames Valley Police are working to establish the cause of the blaze in what police previously called a “complex investigation which may take some time”.
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