Book of condolences for Bicester fire victims closes

Martyn Sadler, Jennie Logan and Dave Chester all died in the devastating fire

A fire service's period of tribute following a fatal blaze that killed two firefighters and a member of the public is set to end, exactly 12 weeks after the incident was first reported.

Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, along with father-of-two Dave Chester, 57, were killed in the fire that engulfed the Bicester Motion site on 15 May.

Since the blaze thousands have paid tribute to the trio, who were dubbed by one mourner in the north Oxfordshire market town as "the best of Bicester".

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said an online book of condolences opened in the wake of the tragedy would close at 18:39 BST on Thursday.

In a statement, the service said: "We extend our thanks to everyone who has offered support, kindness and heartfelt messages."

"We continue to support one another and all those affected by the tragic incident at Bicester Motion"

"Together we remember them and will always honour their memory."

The service added that all messages and tributes shared in the book would be passed onto the families of Ms Logan, Mr Sadler and Mr Chester.

Tributes were paid from the Bicester community in the wake of the fire

Funeral's for all three have taken place over the past months, with last week's ceremony for Mr Sadler, who had also previously worked for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the final one to be held.

Mr Sadler and Ms Logan were each honoured with processions through Bicester, whilst Mr Chester was remembered during a service in Tackley.

The fatal fire had first been reported at about 18:30 on 15 May and rapidly spread through a former aircraft hangar at the former RAF site, and a major incident was declared.

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze as witnesses reported seeing black smoke in the sky.

Two other firefighters were also seriously injured in the incident, and have since been released from hospital.