Fire breaks out at historic Bicester site
A devastating fire at a former RAF base in Bicester has claimed the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public. The blaze broke out at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation hub, on Thursday evening and quickly escalated, with witnesses describing loud explosions and thick black smoke.
The incident triggered a major emergency response, with more than ten fire crews and additional support units, including a hydraulic platform and high-volume pumping equipment, racing to the scene. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue confirmed the blaze is now under control, but the investigation into the cause continues.
Eyewitnesses report explosions and falling ash
Local resident Kieran McGurk described hearing “multiple bangs” as he walked near the site. He said ash began falling from the sky and the scale of the fire became clear as emergency vehicles rushed past. “Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site,” he said.
Another resident, 26-year-old Ellie, said she heard popping sounds and initially thought something had hit her house. When she opened her blinds, she saw thick smoke pouring into the sky. “It was crazy,” she added.
Community in shock as tributes paid
Bicester Motion is home to over 50 specialist businesses and is considered one of the best-preserved former RAF bases in the UK. Local councillor Sam Holland confirmed the fire had broken out there and said he had spoken with people who had been at the site earlier in the day. “I hope there is nobody hurt or worse,” he said at the time, before the full tragedy was known.
South Central Ambulance Service said a “robust command structure” was deployed and their teams remain on scene. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue has urged residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed due to smoke.
Road closures and ongoing investigation
Several key roads around Bicester were closed on Thursday night, including Buckingham Road, Skimmingdish Lane, the A4421 and A4095. Delays are expected to continue into the weekend.
Bicester Motion confirmed the site would remain closed over the coming days. The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Police, fire investigators and local authorities are working together to determine what led to the deadly incident.
This is one of the most serious fire-related tragedies to hit Oxfordshire in recent years, leaving a community in mourning and emergency services reeling from the loss of two colleagues.
