A major incident has been declared as 10 fire and rescue crews tackle a blaze at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, with witnesses reporting loud explosions and huge plumes of smoke
A massive fire has erupted at the site of a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, with witnesses describing loud explosions and dense black smoke rising from the scene.
Ten fire and rescue crews are battling the blaze in Bicester, which has sparked a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service stated: “10 fire and rescue crews are currently attending an ongoing serious incident at Bicester Motion from 18.39 this evening.”
The public is advised to steer clear of the area, and local residents are instructed to remain indoors with all windows shut until further notice.
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While injuries are yet to be confirmed by authorities, the Express has reported a fleet of ambulances arriving in local A&E, with one witness at John Radcliffe Hospital stating that they had seen “10 ambulances arrive in quick succession.”
The person added that people were being brought in “on stretchers” while others were being rushed in “wrapped in blankets.” The source added that patients were being warned of “much longer waiting times due to all doctors being busy now.”
According to local councillor Sam Holland, the fire is located at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation hub situated on the former airbase, which is home to over 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering.
“I saw it (the fire) from a distance,” Mr Holland said. “There’s lots of emergency vehicles. Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier.
“I had spoken to someone as they were leaving. I hope there is nobody hurt or worse.”
Drone footage of the incident appears to show fire crews tackling a blaze at a hangar on the airstrip, which was still visibly on fire at around 10pm, as well as pumping out huge clouds of grey-black smoke into the vicinity.
Historic England describes the iconic airfield as “the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase” in Britain.
Bicester Motion issued a statement saying: “Further to the incident, emergency services have been called and are attending on-site.”
The company further stated: “We appreciate the concern from local residents and wish to communicate that the company is working with the emergency services and a further statement will be made as appropriate.”
A social media user shared images of massive black plumes of smoke coming from the site – adding they had heard “multiple explosions”.
Kieran McGurk, a product director residing opposite Bicester Motion – the new name for the former Bicester Heritage – recounted the moment he noticed a smoke plume and heard “multiple bangs” during a walk.
McGurk described his experience: “As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens.”
He continued, detailing the intensity of the situation: “Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road ash started to fall and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening.”
McGurk also mentioned the continuous sound of loud bangs and the presence of helicopters continually flying over the area: “Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site.”
Currently, the origins of the fire remain unknown.
In response to the incident, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service have all been approached for additional comments.
This is an ongoing incident, more update to follow