Bicester motion incident
Updated 31.07.25 at 12:10
Firefighters and Oxfordshire County Council colleagues have been mourning the loss of Oxfordshire firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler and local businessman Dave Chester.
They tragically died in a major incident at Bicester Motion on Thursday 15 May. Ten fire crews attended the fire having been called to the scene at 18:39 that day. You can watch Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall’s original statement from Friday, 16 May.
Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries in the incident on 15 May. Both have now been discharged from hospital.
On 10 June Thames Valley Police issued a statement saying that the scene of the Bicester Motion fire was being handed back to the business park.
Funerals
A ceremonial funeral procession for Jennie was held on Saturday 14 June and for Martyn Sadler on Thursday 31 July. A private funeral was held for Dave Chester on 8 July.
On both occasions firefighters and emergency service colleagues from Oxfordshire and further afield stood to attention lining the procession route in Bicester paying their respects. They were joined by hundreds of people from local communities in support of Jennie and Martyn’s family, friends and colleagues.
Blue light colleagues from across the nation were also invited to observe a minute’s silence at their fire stations and workplaces.
Martyn's procession made its way to St Edburg's Church where standard bearers from 40 national fire brigades flanked a path into the church grounds, standing to attention as Martyn passed through.
Tributes and online book of condolence
Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall recorded a tribute to the bravery and commitment of those who have tragically lost their lives, mourning their loss and celebrating the positive impact they had on those around them.
You can read the words of the tribute on our webpage.
Rob visited Garth Park on the evening of Tuesday 20 May and spent time reading the many tributes to Jennie Logan, Martyn Sadler and Dave Chester.
There is an online book of condolence available for those who would like to sign.
We made arrangements to ensure that the many lovely messages left with the large number of flowers from communities across the county and beyond were protected for the families of those that have died. Flowers were composted at the appropriate time.