Tragedy strikes as London firefighter dies in huge Oxfordshire blaze
Firefighter Killed at Former RAF Base Blaze
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed the heartbreaking death of one of its own in a devastating fire at a former RAF base in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The firefighter, a London Leading Firefighter/Sub Officer, was serving on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service when the blaze broke out on the evening of Thursday, May 15.
Two Firefighters and Civilian Dead, Two Hospitalised
The inferno also claimed the life of a member of the public and left two firefighters seriously injured and hospitalised. The LFB said in a statement on Friday morning:
“Following the terrible news from Oxfordshire… it is with great sadness that I can confirm that one of those who lost their lives is a London Leading Firefighter/Sub Officer.”
The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
LFB Mourns Fallen Colleague
The London Fire Brigade expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the families, friends, and fire crews affected:
“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague… We are working closely with our counterparts in Oxfordshire, providing support to the family and our crews affected by this tragic loss.”
They also extended sincere condolences to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, which lost one of its own firefighters in the blaze.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Tributes
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire at Bicester Motion, a site that occupies a former RAF base now home to commercial and heritage transport businesses. The incident stands as one of the deadliest for UK fire services in recent years, sparking an outpouring of tributes across social media.
