A man killed in a blaze at a former RAF base which also claimed the lives of two firefighters died after helping fire crews “without hesitation”, his family have said as they paid tribute to him as “a hero”.
David Chester, 57, from Bicester, died in the major incident at Bicester Motion on Thursday – with firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, also killed.
Two further firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said previously.
In a statement released by Thames Valley Police, Mr Chester’s family said: “Dave was the most amazing man we will ever know, we love and miss him so much.
“He was a loving and caring father, husband, son and brother.
“He was Bicester born and bred, and known by almost everyone. Once you met Dave, you never forgot him or his quirky sense of humour.”
They continued: “You won’t find anyone who worked harder than he did, he built an incredible business from the ground up alongside the help of his family and friends.
“Bicester Motion has been a huge part of our lives, with many amazing memories and friends made along the way.
“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. Bicester Motion. 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.”
Both firefighters worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Brigade.
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”.
Ms Logan joined Bicester Vixens in November 2021, the chairman said, and her “determination to push herself shone” from her first session.
“We will carry their memories in our hearts into every game, training, social and everyday,” he said.
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.
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”.
