Two firefighters and one civilian killed in Bicester blaze, investigation launched
Iain Hoey
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Fire at Bicester Motion kills three and injures two firefighters
Media reports have confirmed that three people, including two firefighters and a member of the public, have died following a fire at a business park in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
The blaze occurred on the evening of Thursday 15 May at Bicester Motion, a former RAF base now occupied by more than 50 specialist automotive businesses.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that one of its firefighters died during the incident.
London Fire Brigade confirmed that a second firefighter, Martyn Sadler, died while serving on retained duty.
The third fatality was identified as David Chester, a worker at the site and proprietor of a local business.
Two other firefighters remain in hospital with serious injuries.
Emergency response praised as police begin investigation
Thames Valley Police has launched an unexplained death investigation into the incident.
The police stated that it was “currently not a criminal investigation” but officers will remain at the scene “for a number of days”.
Oxfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: “It is with a heavy heart that we report the loss of two of our firefighters.
“A member of the public has also sadly died in the incident.”
He added: “I am immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel.”
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe confirmed the identity of the deceased London firefighter: “I can now confirm the London firefighter who died in the line of duty while attending a major incident in Bicester last night (15 May 2025) was Leading Firefighter/Sub Officer Martyn Sadler of Ealing Blue Watch.”
He added: “We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and friend.”
Public tributes and community support
Local MP Calum Miller visited the site on Friday.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “I understand from the fire service that firstly they are making sure everything is secure, and then of course in the fullness of time there will be an investigation.”
He added that it was “a terrible thing to have happened” and expressed his sympathies to those affected.
Floral tributes were laid at Bicester Fire Station and Garth Park, while local churches opened for private reflection.
A book of condolence was opened at Garth House, the offices of Bicester Town Council.
The Fire Fighters Charity CEO Sherine Wheeler told BBC Radio Oxford the incident was “heartbreaking” and “brings the reality of the risks they hold crashing home”.
Sector and national figures respond to incident
Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Phil Garrigan, said: “I am devastated by the news that two firefighters have lost their lives responding to a major incident in Bicester on Thursday evening.”
He added: “Our firefighters are the very best of us, their courage and compassion is what make them so very special.”
Dr Gavin Dunn, CEO of the Fire Protection Association, said: “The FPA would like to extend its condolences to the families and colleagues affected by this tragic incident.
“It is a stark reminder to us all of the consequences of fire and of the importance of fire safety in all premises.”
Bicester Motion, where the fire occurred, issued a statement saying: “We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news that two firefighters and a close friend of the site have lost their lives.”
It added that the site would remain closed over the weekend as investigations continued.
Three people killed in fire at Bicester business park: Summary
Three people died in a fire at Bicester Motion on Thursday 15 May 2025.
The deceased were two firefighters and a member of the public.
The Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and London Fire Brigade confirmed the deaths of their personnel.
David Chester, a site worker, was identified as the third victim.
Two more firefighters remain in hospital.
The fire broke out in a former aircraft hangar at the Bicester Motion site.
Ten fire crews were involved in responding to the incident.
Thames Valley Police launched an unexplained death investigation.
The fire is not currently being treated as criminal.
Tributes have been paid by national leaders, the local community and fire sector organisations.
Bicester Motion and local authorities have supported memorial activities.
A full investigation into the cause of the fire is expected.
