Bicester firefighter was true hero, family says

The family of a firefighter who died in a devastating blaze at an Oxfordshire business park have said he was "born" to do the job.

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

Mr Sadler's family said the "passion and dedication" he had for the job was "outstanding".

Before starting Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer expressed "deepest condolences" on the tragedy, later adding that was "very important at a moment like this that the house comes together".

"Our world has fallen apart and our hearts are completely broken, but somewhere in amongst it all we are immensely proud of him and his unwavering bravery," the family tribute added.

"Martyn was born to be a firefighter. Coming from a strong fire service family it was always in his blood, but it was significantly more than that with him, it was his life.

"From as early as he learnt to walk and talk his days were filled with episodes of Fireman Sam or London's Burning and as soon as he was old enough to join the fire cadets his career began. He achieved way beyond his dreams and nothing would ever put a bigger smile on his face."

"He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and all-round family member, an amazing friend, a committed colleague and the true definition of a hero."

Mr Sadler worked for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and was also part of the London Fire Brigade.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said of Mr Sadler, "we have lost a well-respected and much-loved colleague who exemplified courage and selflessness in the service of others".

"We are doing everything we can to provide support to Martyn's family and colleagues."

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) said it was "devastated" by the deaths.

It said Mr Sadler had spent more than 15 years working across a number of roles based at Slough, Langley and Maidenhead, before moving to the London service.

"Martyn was a highly valued colleague and a dedicated public servant, who showed courage and determination throughout his career.

"We know that his loss is being felt greatly across our service and our communities," RBFRS said.

Two more firefighters remain in hospital in a stable condition after suffering serious injuries in the fire, which was brought under control. A police investigation has since been launched.

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at about 18:30 BST on Thursday which rapidly spread through a former aircraft hangar at the site on Buckingham Road, and a major incident was declared.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) has taken over the scene from Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service after crews had brought the fire under control and made the area safe.

On Tuesday, the force said the major incident status had now been removed, with the operation moving "from a rescue to a recovery phase".

Tributes have been paid by people across the UK and two plaques in memory of the three victims have been hung at the site, signed "Love from the Bicester Community".

Ms Logan's family said her "bravery and fearlessness shone through right until the end".

She had a red Staffordshire bull terrier called Mouse and was remembered at several dog shows across the country over the weekend.

Mr Chester was remembered by his loved ones as "the most amazing man we will ever know".

"He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself," their tribute added.

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

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.

The site said in a statement that it worked with TVP on a "phased return to work for on-site businesses".

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: "Firefighters Martyn Sadler and Jennie Logan were true heroes, as was David Chester, and I hope the full prayers and thoughts of house are with their loved ones, and with the two firefighters still in hospital."

Mr Sadler and Ms Logan were also members of Bicester Rugby Union Football Club's (BRUFC), with Ms Logan playing for the Bicester Vixens.

BRUFC's chairman Paul Jaggers said the loss had "hit the club and the wider community very hard".

"Obviously losing two of your members in any situation is really tough and it's had a profound impact," he added.

The club has raised more than £11,000 for the Fire Fighters charity since the tragedy.

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