Tragedy in Bicester: Two firefighters and civilian killed in massive blaze at former RAF base
Two firefighters and a civilian have died following a fire at a former RAF airfield in Bicester.
Two further firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently in hospital following the blaze, the council added on Friday morning, as a police cordon remains in place around the Bicester Motion warehouse.
Dozens of firefighters were seen to tackle the blaze which broke out overnight at a motoring and aviation heritage site in Oxfordshire, with ten fire and rescue crews in attendance.
The fire prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.
Four crews remain at the scene, with the blaze now brought under control.
Huge smoke plumes of "black" smoke could be seen erupting from the warehouse, located close to the airfield, according to bystanders.
Speaking to LBC on Friday morning, local resident Jane described the fire as "huge" and said the scale of it was unlike anything she’d seen before.
She said: "The amount of the smell and the blackness of the smoke was horrific — we’ve never experienced anything like it."
Jane and David live next to the site and spoke to LBC on Friday morning. Picture: LBC
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer branded the deaths of the two firefighters “devastating news”.
Commenting after hearing the news, the Prime Minister added: "The bravery of our firefighters is astounding.”
The site, a historic RAF base, is now used on a commercial basis for automotive and motor industry businesses.
Bicester Motion confirmed on Thursday evening that emergency services had been called to its site, with the fire thought to have started at around 6.30pm on Thursday.
It is not yet known what caused the blaze.
An awful situation in Bicester this evening at Bicester Heritage. Officers from Thames Valley Police are assisting Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service in dealing with the significant incident. ???? pic.twitter.com/4Ou3nWCrZw
— Matthew Barber (@matthew_barber) May 15, 2025
In a statement on Friday, 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.
"The site will remain closed over the weekend as we continue to work closely with the emergency services.
"Thank you for your understanding at this time."
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned local residents to close windows and consider turning off air-conditioning.
In a post shared to social media, they said: "We’re aware of an incident in Bicester which has caused a smoke plume to develop."
"Our current advice is go in stay in and close windows and doors. Make sure to close windows and doors and consider turning off air-conditioning."
Two firefighters among three dead, with two seriously injured following fire at former RAF airfield in Bicester. Picture: Social Media
Cllr Sam Holland, Local Councillor for Bicester East on Bicester Town Council, told LBC News: "The smoke has been billowing and seen from across the town."
He was unable to say whether there are hazardous substances at the site or not.
An investigation is now underway, with a no-fly zone in place at the location.
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