Plaque honours man and two firefighters killed in Bicester blaze

Firefighters lay flowers for their fallen colleagues as the community turns out to pay their respects at Garth Park, Bicester.

Hundreds of bouquets of flowers have been laid in respect to those killed in a major fire at a former RAF base in Bicester.

Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died after explosions were heard at Bicester Motion on Thursday (15th May).

David Chester, 57, from Bicester, was also killed.

Thames Valley Police said both firefighters worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Brigade.

A police cordon was still in place on Saturday afternoon outside Bicester Motion, where a tent has been erected and a heavy police presence remains.

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.”

It is surrounded by flowers and messages left in tribute by members of the public.

A steady stream of mourners have been paying their respects and spoke of their shock.

"I just feel I need to show respect to the firefighters for what they have done. As an ex-serviceman you feel affiliated to all services and it's something I wanted to do."

"I am here to respect the firefighters and the person who lost their life. We saw the smoke from our house."

Hundreds have laid flowers and poignant messages.

"We live in the area. I work in a local nursery and the children I look after, their parents are connected to this and this is to just have our thoughts with them. It was quite shocking to see the event."

"I am here to pay my respects. The city and county have lost two colleagues and a member of the public has lost their life as well and this is a little way of showing we are together in their loss."

Those who wish to bring bouquets are asked to lay them in Garth Park rather than at fire stations or at Bicester Motion.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue said it is to avoid obstruction to the highways.

From Monday, people can also sign a book of condolence at Garth House in the park (Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am - 4pm).

There is also a book of condolence at St Edburg's Church. A Sunday Communion service will be held there tomorrow at 10.30am.

Thames Valley Police say the families are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

Two more firefighters are still in hospital.

Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “On behalf of the Fire Brigades Union, I send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler.

“Jennie and Martyn died in the line of duty protecting their community. They were both well-loved and widely respected. We are proud that they were members of our union.

“We also send our condolences to the family and friends of David Chester, a member of the public who died at the same incident in Bicester, Oxfordshire on Thursday 15 May.

“Two FBU members who attended the incident are still in hospital. Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones.

“The FBU will be conducting a full investigation of the incident which led to these tragic circumstances.

“For now, we are grieving for our fallen colleagues and friends.”

Daniel Geoghegan, CEO, Bicester Motion, paid tribute to all those who died.

"To Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, the two firefighters who so bravely tackled the scene. The epitome of selfless service.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.

"And to Dave Chester, who ran Chesters & Sons his family business, who has had a long history with the estate - indeed from man and boy.

"He joined us 12 years ago when we first bought the site and, with his wife and two sons, has been a pillar of our whole business community.

"We considered him a member of our team, part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all.

"Whenever you had a question, you would 'just ask Davenot just him but his whole family as they all cared about this place just as much as we do.

"Our whole community used to say that 'Dave always had our back,' yesterday he was doing just that – the epitome of his selfless spirit.

Police officers and the fire service will continue to be at the scene for a number of days to ensure the public remains safe.

They are carrying out an unexplained death investigation, led by their Major Crime Team, but say it is currently not a criminal investigation.

The fire and rescue service have been dampening down the fire. Once the scene is safe, our investigators will be able to carry out enquiries at the location.

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 Jennie Logan of the Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Martyn Sadler of the London Fire Brigade, and member of the public, David Chester, who have died in this incident.”

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