A huge fire killed two firefighters and a member of the public at a former RAF base where floral tributes have been left and now the names of the “heroes” have been released
Two firefighters and a civilian who died in a fire that tore through a former RAF base today have now been named by police.
Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, where among the crew tackling the blaze at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire on Thursday. While the member of the public who died is 57-year-old David Chester. In a statement on Friday evening, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said: “We are now in a position to confirm the formal identification of those who have died.
“The firefighters who died are Jennie Logan, aged 30, of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service and Martyn Sadler, aged 38 of both Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue and The London Fire Brigade.
“The member of public who died is David Chester, aged 57 from Bicester. The families are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
“We have commenced an unexplained death investigation, led by our Major Crime Team. This is currently not a criminal investigation, but we will follow the evidence as our enquiries continue. We will continue to have officers at the scene for a number of days to ensure the public remain safe.
“The fire and rescue service is still at the scene, dampening down the fire. Once the scene is safe, our investigators will be able to carry out inquiries 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.”
Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said. Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at 6.39pm, which prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Neasham Glasgow, said the King would want to “pass on his sincerest condolences to all those affected”. Members of the public started to lay flowers and tributes at the scene of the fire on Friday.
Three bouquets were laid under the Bicester Motion sign outside the former RAF base where a heavy police presence remains in place. A handwritten note read: “Thank you for your service. Our hearts are with the services and families.”
The note featured hand-drawn pictures of an ambulance, police officer, doctor, and firefighter. The flowers also include a handpicked bunch of daisies.
Other cards read: “Our hearts have broken for the loss of two heroes. All our love and prayers. With deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.”