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The Independent
16-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Watch: Oxfordshire fire chief tears up in tribute to colleagues who died after Bicester blaze: ‘Unwavering bravery'
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's (OFRS) chief fire officer Rob MacDougall teared up as he paid tribute to firefighters who died in a fire at a former RAF base on Thursday (15 May). Two firefighters died while tackling the blaze at Bicester Motion. A member of the public has also died. London fire commissioner Andy Roe said one of the fatalities was a leading London firefighter and sub-officer who was on retained duty with OFRS, and another of those who died was from OFRS. Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital. Speaking on Friday, Mr MacDougall hailed the "unwavering bravery" of the emergency services. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kemi Badenoch calls Bicester fire 'horrifying incident' as three found dead
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has paid tribute to the people who have died in a large fire at a former RAF base in Bicester. Speaking to reporters at the Welsh Conservative conference in Llangollen, she said: 'I think it's an absolutely horrifying incident. 'My heart goes out to the families of those people who have lost their lives and those who are still on the front line, because I understand the fire is still going, and I hope that we can get to the bottom of exactly what's caused this and make sure that it doesn't happen again.' One of those killed in Bicester was a London firefighter on 'retained duty' with the Oxfordshire fire service, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. LFB commissioner Andy Roe said: 'Following the terrible news from Oxfordshire that two firefighters have died in the line of duty, alongside a member of the public, it is with great sadness that I can confirm that one of those who lost their lives is a London leading firefighter/sub officer, who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Two firefighters and one member of the public have been confirmed dead following a fire incident at Bicester, Oxfordshire. This is terrible news. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues. The FBU will be on hand to provide support in the coming days. — Fire Brigades Union (@fbunational) May 16, 2025 'We are devastated by the loss of our colleague, and our thoughts remain with the families and friends of all those impacted by this incident. 'We are working closely with our counterparts in Oxfordshire, providing support to the family and our crews affected by this tragic loss. 'Our sincere condolences go out to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who also sadly lost a firefighter at this incident, with a further two colleagues in hospital.' The council said four crews remain at the scene as the blaze is now under control. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the deaths as 'devastating news', adding: 'The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery.' Officers remained at the entrance of the former RAF base on Friday, and a fire engine and ambulance could be seen leaving the area while another police vehicle entered the site. Eyewitnesses described seeing the 'black' smoke in the sky from the other side of town. Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: 'It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters. 'Families have been informed and are being supported.' Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion – formerly known as Bicester Heritage – said he heard 'multiple bangs' and saw a plume of smoke while out walking. Historic England claims the famous airfield is 'the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase' in Britain. The site is now home to classic car restoration and engineering businesses. In a statement, Bicester Motion said: 'We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news that two firefighters and a close friend of the site have lost their lives. Recommended reading: Bicester Heritage fire live: 3 die at former RAF Base Bicester Motion fire: Three dead including firefighters Firefighter on 'retained duty' killed in Bicester fire 'There are no words at times like this, but our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. 'We pray for the two firefighters in hospital. 'The bravery shown by the emergency services teams has been overwhelming. 'We are grateful for all the support and especially the exceptional work by all in such unprecedented circumstances.' Bicester Motion confirmed the site will remain closed over the weekend.
Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Times
Bicester fire: two firefighters and a member of public dead after blaze
Two firefighters and a member of the public have died after a fire at a historic motoring and aviation centre at a former RAF base in Bicester, near Oxford. Two other firefighters are seriously injured, according to Oxfordshire county council. The fire started at about 6.30pm on Thursday with fire crews from Oxfordshire called out. Sir Keir Starmer said the deaths were 'devastating news', adding: 'The bravery of our firefighters is astounding.' Andy Roe, London Fire Brigade Commissioner, said one of the people who died was a top London firefighter and sub-officer who was on retained duty with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS). Another of those who died was from OFRS, he added. Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are currently in
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Jonathan Smith is proposed as London's new fire commissioner
A new fire commissioner for London has been proposed by the city's mayor, Sir Sadiq appointment of Jonathan Smith, currently the deputy commissioner, will now be subject to a confirmation hearing by London Assembly's fire Smith is expected to take up the post at the end of June, taking over from Andy fire commissioner is responsible for leading London Fire Brigade "to ensure it is trusted to serve and protect" the capital. Part of Mr Smith's duties will be to implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase Two report, as well as ensuring the brigade continues to modernise and reform to create a workplace "where everyone can thrive".Mr Smith began his career as a firefighter in 2000 with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, before moving to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2008. He joined LFB as Assistant Commissioner in 2019, becoming Deputy Commissioner in Sadiq said he was "delighted" to propose the added: "There is no question that over the last few years, London Fire Brigade has made huge strides – backed with record funding from City Hall – to improve its workplace and the service it delivers to all Londoners."Mr Smith promised he would "always put Londoners first and will work hand in hand with communities".
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Book swap to return to some Tube stations
A free book exchange scheme is being restored at some London Underground stations after it was controversially suspended over fire safety concerns. Transport for London (TfL) said the Book Swaps scheme could return to 15 surface-level Tube stations next month after a "suitable fire-proof storage solution" was found. The ban had come into effect last month after London Fire Brigade (LFB) said "combustible material poses a fire safety risk". Steve Dudeney, a former LFB borough commander, criticised the move, branding it as "ridiculous", but LFB commissioner Andy Roe said while they "celebrate the tradition of Londoners sharing books", it must be "managed safely". Prior to the suspension, 31 stations had the book swap scheme including at Oval and Lewisham. New cabinets will be introduced at 15 stations, starting with High Barnet. A TfL spokesperson said it had worked with LFB to ensure the new cabinets, which are sourced from a third-party supplier, were "compliant with fire safety regulations and meet the unique requirements for the London Underground in terms of fire safety, accessibility, and network security". Andy Lord, the transport body's commissioner, said: "We know how important the community book swap libraries are to our customers, and I am pleased that, working together, we have now been able to reintroduce them to our surface stations." TfL would work with the brigade to address issues at sub-surface Tube stations which were subject to "more stringent regulations", a spokesperson added. Section 7 of the Fire Precautions (Sub-surface Railway Stations) (England) Regulations 2009 states: "All parts of station premises must be kept clear of any accumulation of combustible refuse." The Book Swaps cabinets will be installed at the following stations: Acton Town Cockfosters Ealing Common East Finchley Hammersmith High Barnet Kew Gardens Kilburn Morden Northfields Oakwood Ravenscourt Park Stamford Brook Totteridge & Whetstone Willesden Green Mr Roe said the leaders of both LFB and TfL were committed to taking "every step to keep people safe". "Therefore, it was right to review the use of book libraries and work together, as we have done, to examine the risk posed and explore ways to mitigate it," he said. London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan welcomed the return of the mini libraries to the surface-level stations, and said he wanted "to see a solution as soon as possible" for them to return to sub-surface ones. "I know from personal experience and talking to commuters what a difference they make across London," he added. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Tube station book swap ban 'ridiculous' Tube fan ranks every stop on the London Underground The wise words inspiring Tube commuters
