Firefighters showed exemplary bravery, says chief

Two firefighters killed during a blaze at an Oxfordshire business park showed "exemplary bravery and service", the county's chief fire officer has said.

Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died while tackling the fire at Bicester Motion last Thursday. David Chester, who ran a business at the site, was also killed.

Paying tribute, Rob MacDougall said Ms Logan was a "truly dedicated firefighter, known by her crews for her warm smile and her fearless, can-do attitude".

He said Mr Sadler, the first Oxfordshire fire cadet to become an on-call firefighter, demonstrated "true passion and commitment to the service" and was "deeply loved by all those who knew him".

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze, which rapidly spread through a former aircraft hangar at the site on Buckingham Road.

Mr MacDougall, who made an emotional statement last Friday following the deaths, also paid tribute to father-of-two Mr Chester.

He described him as a "well-loved and cherished person in the Bicester community, as well as a personal friend to all at Bicester Motion".

"The way he was known and respected by so many is a true reflection of his character.

"As we mourn the loss of Jennie, Martyn and Dave, let us also celebrate their lives and the impact they had on those around them. Their legacy will live on in the hearts of their loved ones, colleagues and their communities," he added.

Mr Sadler started his wholetime firefighter training with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and worked for 15 years in various roles based at Slough, Langley and Maidenhead before moving to the London brigade.

In a joint statement, Wayne Bowcock, Berkshire's chief fire officer and Councillor Jeff Brooks, chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: "As a service we are devastated by the immense loss suffered...

"To Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan, your bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten."

Condolence books have been opened in three locations.

• Garth House, Bicester, weekdays from 09:00-19:00

• Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Kidlington, weekdays from 09:00-17:00 until Friday 23 May

• County Hall, Oxford, weekdays from 09:00-17:00 until Friday 30 May

Bicester Town Council has also invited the community to join a moment of silence at 19:00 BST on Friday in Garth Park.

It said it would be "a time for quiet reflection and solidarity to remember those we have lost and show support for their families, colleagues, and all those affected".

"We recognise that people may wish to pay their respects to those who have tragically died," Oxfordshire County Council said.

"We would be grateful if anyone wishes to lay flowers that these are laid in Garth Park, Bicester rather than at fire stations or at Bicester Motion to avoid obstruction to the highways.

"With the weather predicted to turn for the worse in the following days, we have made arrangements to ensure that the many lovely messages are protected for the families and the large number of flowers from communities across the county and beyond are composted when appropriate."

Two other firefighters remain in hospital in a stable condition after suffering serious injuries in the fire.

A police investigation into the cause of the blaze has since been launched.

The books of condolence come after two plaques were hung at the site of the fire.

In a family tribute, Mr Sadler was described as a "true hero", while Ms Logan's family said her "bravery and fearlessness shone through right until the end".

Mr Chester was described by his loved ones as "the most amazing man".

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