Bicester fire victims remembered with gold plaques

Two plaques have been hung on the site where a devastating fire claimed the lives of three people.

Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, along with father-of-two Dave Chester, 57, were killed in the blaze that engulfed the Bicester Motion site on Thursday evening.

On Tuesday Thames Valley Police said it had taken over the scene from Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service after fire crews had brought the fire under control and made the area safe.

Both of the plaques have been signed "Love from the Bicester Community".

The first plaque, which bears the logos for the fire service and Bicester Motion, reads: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the sad loss of two fire-fighters and the member of the public."

Another one bears an image of Dave Chester, reading: "We will cherish you Dave and you will be sorely missed, as we send our utmost love to Sue, Jordan and Riley."

John Pitchforth, managing director of Heritage Skills Academy based at Bicester Motion, said of Mr Chester "the fact that he was with the fire service [at the time of the fire], that's the man he is".

"He was a close friend with everybody on the site because he was so involved from the start," Mr Pitchforth said.

"He was part of the magic of the Bicester bubble."

Friends of Ms Logan described her as having "a heart of gold", and London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said Mr Sadler "exemplified courage and selflessness".

On Tuesday the Bishop of Dorchester, the Right Reverend Gavin Collins, led a tribute at the first full meeting of Oxfordshire County Council since elections earlier this month.

"We give thanks for all those who serve in our emergency services for their courage, commitment and compassion," he said.

Two more firefighters are in hospital after suffering serious injuries but remain in a stable condition.

The fire was reported at about 18:30 BST on Thursday and rapidly spread through a former aircraft hangar at the site on Buckingham Road, and a major incident was declared.

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze as witnesses reported seeing black smoke in the sky.

Bicester Motion is home to more than 50 specialist businesses, focused on classic car restoration and engineering on the former site of RAF Bicester.

It was home to RAF Bomber Command in World War Two and became redundant in 2004.

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive said it was liaising with TVP on the investigation into the fire's cause.

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