Firefighters and member of public die in blaze at old RAF base

Two firefighters and a member of the public have died in a large fire at a former RAF base.

The Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighters died while tackling the blaze at Bicester Motion on Thursday.

Two further firefighters suffered serious injuries and are in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said.

Paying tribute on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the families and friends of those who had died following the "devastating news".

He continued: "The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery."

Thick black smoke billowed from the site on Thursday evening

Chief fire officer Rob 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.

"Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for privacy to be respected.

"We cannot release any details at present but will provide further information as soon as we can."

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze on Thursday at about 18:30 BST, with witnesses seeing black smoke in the sky from the other side of town.

The council said four crews remained at the scene of the fire, which was now under control.

A fire engine and ambulance could be seen leaving the area on Friday while another police vehicle entered the site.

Advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows has been lifted.

Philip 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."

Police officers patrol at a cordon near the scene of the fire at Bicester Motion

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.

"The strength and kindness of the Bicester community, of which we are proud members, has truly shown itself."

Thanking people for their understanding, Bicester Motion said the site would remain closed over the weekend "as we continue to work closely with the emergency services".

St Laurence's Church, Caversfield, said it had opened its doors following "the tragic news of lives lost in the fire".

The church on Banbury Road, close to the site of the fire, said it was open "for anyone looking for a space for private prayer or for stillness and reflection".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the events of yesterday and especially with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives," it added.

'Sorrow and solidarity'

Labour former minister and Oxfordshire MP Anneliese Dodds paid tribute to the firefighters who died in the line of duty as she spoke in the House of Commons.

The Oxford East MP said: "Since I have been in the chamber, I have received some truly awful news that three people died last night in a fire in Bicester, including two members of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service."

She said MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller had left the chamber to liaise with those on the ground.

"We both want to take this opportunity, if I may, to convey our deep sorrow and solidarity with the families of those who have died, and our fervent and heartfelt best wishes to the two firefighters who remain in a serious condition," she continued.

"We're grateful for their heroism and that of their colleagues when, as ever, they run towards danger to serve us all."

In a statement, Mr Miller said: "I am heartbroken to learn that three people lost their lives in the fire. 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."

'Deep debt of gratitude'

Leader of Oxford City Council, Councillor Susan Brown, expressed her condolences to the families of all three people who had died.

She continued: "This is a terrible reminder for us all that firefighters, as well as the other members of the emergency services, put themselves at risk on a daily basis, to protect us all. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude.

"We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with the family, colleagues and friends of those we have lost in this tragic incident."

Oxford City Council has lowered the city flag, flying over the 1930's extension of Oxford Town Hall, to half-mast in tribute.

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze

Bicester Motion is home to more than 50 specialist businesses, focused on classic car restoration and engineering. It is on the site of RAF Bicester, a former bomber station.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows has now been lifted.