A man and two firefighters who died in a huge fire at a former RAF base have been named by police.
Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died after explosions were heard at Bicester Motion on Thursday, Thames Valley Police said.
David Chester, 57, from Bicester, was also killed, the force added.
Police said both firefighters worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Brigade.
Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said previously.
Mr Sadler “exemplified courage and selflessness” and was serving on retained duty at Bicester Fire Station, the London Fire Commissioner said.
Andy Roe said in a statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and friend.
“This is clearly an incredibly difficult time for us all; we have lost a well-respected and much-loved colleague who exemplified courage and selflessness in the service of others.
“Our thoughts are with all the families, friends, and colleagues impacted by this tragedy. We are doing everything we can to provide support to Martyn’s family and colleagues.”
The commissioner said it has been “an incredibly challenging day for the UK Fire and Rescue Service” and the incident “highlights the high-risk nature of the service we provide every day”.
“I ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy and gives them the space to grieve”, he said.
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.
Three bouquets were laid under the Bicester Motion sign outside the former RAF base where a heavy police presence remains in place.
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.
Other cards read: “Our hearts have broken for the loss of two heroes. All our love and prayers.
“With deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.”
A message left from Thames Valley Police read: “To my Red Light Family, in memory of two heroes.
“With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Always in our thoughts, your Blue Light Family (TVP)”
A group of school children also arrived to pay tribute at the scene.
The council said the blaze is now under control.
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.”
Eyewitnesses described seeing the “black” smoke in the sky from the other side of town.
Stay-at-home mother 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.
Mr 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.”
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.”
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 the victims.
Bicester Motion confirmed the site will remain closed over the weekend.
