Fire Two UK Firefighters and a Civilian Killed in Blaze at Former RAF Base

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A devastating fire at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire has claimed the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public, in one of the worst incidents to hit the county’s emergency services in recent memory.

 

The blaze broke out on the evening of 15 May, at Bicester Motion, a site on the grounds of the former RAF Bicester, now home to more than 50 specialist businesses, many of them focused on classic car restoration and engineering.

 

Ten fire and rescue appliances,  plus additional specialist units, including a hydraulic platform, a high-volume pump, a command vehicle and water carrier, were deployed to tackle the fast-spreading fire, which prompted urgent public safety warnings and was declared a major incident. Thick black smoke was seen billowing into the sky, visible from across the town, as firefighters battled through the night.

 

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed on the morning of 16 May that two firefighters lost their lives while attempting to control the inferno. Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

The Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall, issued a sombre statement:

 

“It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Families have been informed and are being fully supported at this extremely difficult time.”

 

A member of the public also died in the incident, though their identity has not yet been released. The circumstances and details surrounding their death have not been released and are under investigation.

 

As of the morning of 16 May, the fire was under control, with four fire crews remaining at the site to cover any flare ups.

 

The cause of the fire is not yet known. An investigation is now underway, with police, scene of crime and fire investigators expected conducting a full forensic analysis of the site.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from BBC 2025-05-16.