Bicester remembers fallen firefighters one year on from fire

The Bicester Motion fire broke out at Hangar 79 on the Bicester Airfield at around on May 15, 2025.

It claimed the lives of firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, both serving with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), who were both members of Bicester rugby Union Football Club, and business owner David Chester, 57.

Post‑mortem examinations later found all three victims died from multiple traumatic injuries, believed to have been caused when parts of the building collapsed

Two other firefighters suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital. They have both since been discharged.

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson said: “As we reach the first anniversary of Bicester Motion our thoughts are with the families of Martyn Sadler, Jennie Logan, and Dave Chester.

“Investigations have not yet concluded. We continue to work with other agencies such as Thames Valley Police and the HSE. We remain in close and regular contact with the families of the bereaved.”

(Image: Chris Barr)

The fire broke out at around 6.39pm after smoke was seen billowing from aviation and motoring site in Oxfordshire, formerly the RAF Bicester.

The incident was initially attended by 10 fire and rescue crews to the site off Buckingham Road.

Tributes were paid across Bicester and beyond with flowers and messages left at the entrance to Bicester Motion with OFRS firefighters forming a guard of honour to remember their colleagues.

Flowers and tributes following the fatal fire at Bicester Motion (Image: Newsquest)

The days following the fire, authorities reacted, including the National Fire Chiefs Council and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described the news as devastating, adding that “the bravery of our firefighters is astounding”.

Bicester Motion also released statements sharing its condolences with the families, expressing gratitude for community support.

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It said: “[…] There are no words at times like this, but our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones […].”

Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall (Image: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue chief fire officer, Rob MacDougall, appeared “emotional” as he paid tribute to the “unwavering bravery”, on May 16, 2025.

A week on from the fire, a minute’s silence was observed at Bicester Motion and other stations, simultaneously, including in Henley, Bampton and Carterton.

The process to demolish Hangar 79 sensitively began in august 2025 following discussions with Historic England, Cherwell District Council and other health and safety and environmental experts.

Oxfordshire County Council confirmed in January that it had spent £90,000 on the investigation and survey work so far, with the whole investigation estimated to cost the county council £500,000. However, this may increase further due to the complexity of the case.

The investigation into the fire by Thames Valley Police and the Health and Safety Executive is still ongoing with the cause remaining unknown.

Throughout the year tribute fundraisers took place throughout the county and beyond, for the Fire Fighters Charity. This included Chris Brummell running this year’s London Marathon in memory of Martyn, his brother-in-law.

Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue and Bicester Motion have yet to release official statements on the anniversary.