A brave firefighter fought back tears during a press conference after a fire in which two of his colleagues were killed.
Multiple explosions were heard at the former RAF base in Bicester, where witnesses saw thick black smoke pouring from the airfield at around 6.40pm yesterday.
Two firefighters and a member of the public were killed and another two firefighters were seriously injured in the fire and are in the hospital.
Between tears, Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said at a press conference this afternoon: ‘The families have been informed and are being supported.
‘Our thoughts remain with them at this most difficult time, and we ask for their privacy to be respected.’
He added: ‘I’m immensely proud and grateful for the exemplary multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency service personnel.’
There has been a steady stream of people laying flowers outside Bicester Fire Station since it was announced that two firefighters had died in the blaze.
Two members of South Central Ambulance were among those laying floral tributes at the scene.
The fire service says the blaze has been brought under control but firefighters remain on site.
Phil Garrigan, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: ‘I am devastated by the news that two firefighters have lost their lives responding to a major incident in Bicester on Thursday evening.
‘I am also deeply saddened that a member of the public has also died in the incident.
‘Our firefighters are the very best of us, their courage and compassion is what make them so very special.
‘My thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.’
Kieran McGurk was out walking when he heard several loud bangs coming from Bicester Motion, a historic motoring aviation centre at the former airbase.
He said: ‘As we walked home and got closer to the smoke, it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens.
‘Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us, and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road, ash started to fall, and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening.
‘Loud bangs have been constantly going off, and multiple helicopters are circling the site.’
According to local councillor Sam Holland, the fire is at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre situated on the former airbase.
Historic England described it as ‘the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF base’ in the UK.
Cllr Holland said: ‘I saw it (the fire) from a distance. There are lots of emergency vehicles. Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier. I had spoken to someone as they were leaving. I hope there is nobody hurt or worse.’
Nearby resident Ellie, 26, said she saw plumes of smoke coming from the buildings last night
She said: ‘I heard loads of pops and crackles and bangs. It was quite bad.’
‘It was so weird because I had my blinds shut at the time and I was like what is going on. It was crazy, and then I looked out the window and saw it.’
At its peak, 10 crews were on the scene, including a hydraulic platform and high-volume pumping unit.
Bicester Motion said in a statement that the site would remain closed over the weekend.
