Tragedy Strikes at Bicester Motion
A devastating fire broke out at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation heritage site in Oxfordshire, on the evening of May 15, 2025. The blaze, which originated from a large warehouse on the former RAF Bicester base, resulted in the tragic deaths of two firefighters and one civilian. Two additional firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized. AP News+4BBC+4The Sun+4
Emergency Response and Casualties
The Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service responded promptly to the emergency call at approximately 6:30 PM BST. Ten fire crews were dispatched to the scene, battling the intense flames and thick black smoke that were visible from miles away. Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud explosions emanating from the site. The fire was eventually brought under control by Friday morning, though four fire and rescue crews remained on-site to ensure safety and assist with recovery efforts. Wikipedia
Among the deceased was a top London firefighter who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The civilian victim has been described as “a close friend of the site.” The identities of the victims have not been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin.
Community Impact and Tributes
The fire has left the local community in shock, with tributes pouring in for the victims and those affected by the incident. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, praising the bravery of the emergency responders. Local MP Calum Miller also offered his sympathies, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the community. The Times+2The Sun+2A
Bicester Motion, which occupies the 444-acre former RAF Bicester Aerodrome, is home to over 50 specialist businesses involved in various facets of motoring and aviation heritage. The site has been a hub for classic car restoration and engineering, attracting enthusiasts and professionals alike. The tragic event has deeply affected the staff and visitors who frequent the site.
Bicester Motion, which occupies the 444-acre former RAF Bicester Aerodrome, is home to over 50 specialist businesses involved in various facets of motoring and aviation heritage. The site has been a hub for classic car restoration and engineering, attracting enthusiasts and professionals alike. The tragic event has deeply affected the staff and visitors who frequent the site.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns
Authorities have confirmed that the fire is now under control, but investigations into its cause are ongoing. Initial reports suggest that the building’s materials may have included asbestos, raising concerns about potential health risks from the smoke and debris. Residents in the vicinity were advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed due to the strong smell of smoke, which was noticeable up to half a mile away. Wikipedia
Bicester Motion has stated that it is “working closely with the emergency services” and has closed the site for the weekend. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.
Historical Significance of Bicester Motion
The former RAF Bicester base has a rich history dating back to 1917. After its decommissioning in 2004, the site was repurposed to preserve its heritage while fostering innovation in motoring and aviation. Bicester Motion has invested over £40 million to transform the estate into a vibrant hub for mobility technology, hosting companies such as YASA, Polestar, and Mission Motorsport. The recent development of “The Ranges,” a £26.8 million innovation quarter, underscores the site’s commitment to advancing future mobility.
A local business owner, one of the first to arrive at the scene of the fire, described seeing thick plumes of smoke and hearing a series of explosions.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Kyle Osborne, a witness, explained that he first learned about the fire through social media and decided to head toward the area.
He recounted hearing three distinct types of explosions: “One sounded like fireworks—pop, pop, pop; the second was much louder… and the third was a deep, thunder-like sound.”
Osborne noted that the smoke quickly became unbearable, saying, “Within 15 to 20 minutes, it was so thick we could barely breathe—it was black and just hanging in the air.”
“It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before; it was really bad,” he added.
He also reported that the scene was overwhelmed with emergency vehicles, estimating at least 20 fire engines, 30 police cars, and 10-15 ambulances on-site.
