LONDON — Two firefighters and a civilian were killed in a blaze at a former British military base that is now used to commemorate the history of aviation and motor sports, officials said Friday. Two other firefighters were in hospital with serious injuries.
The fire broke out Thursday in a large warehouse at the former Royal Air Force base in Bicester, near Oxford. Giant plumes of smoke could be seen for miles and witnesses reported hearing explosions.
Oxfordshire's chief fire officer Rob MacDougall, in an emotional statement near the site, said he was ''immensely proud'' of the bravery shown by all emergency responders to the huge blaze. ''It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters,'' MacDougall said.
The fire at Bicester Motion had prompted warnings for residents in the area to stay indoors and drew a response from 10 fire and rescue crews. The fire was under control Friday morning, but crews remained at the scene.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the news as ''devastating'' and paid tribute to the ''astounding'' bravery of the firefighters involved.
''Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery,'' he added on X.
The local police force, Thames Valley Police, said it has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, and that its officers will be able to carry out inquiries once the scene is safe.
''We have commenced an unexplained death investigation, led by our major crime team," said Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe. ''This is currently not a criminal investigation, but we will follow the evidence as our inquiries continue."
