Three folks killed in fireplace at former RAF base in Oxfordshire | Oxfordshire

Two firefighters and a member of the general public have died after a big fireplace at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire county council stated the 2 firefighters died whereas tackling the blaze at Bicester Movement on Thursday.

Bicester Movement, residence to greater than 50 specialist companies targeted on basic automotive restoration and engineering, is on the web site of RAF Bicester, a former bomber station.

Ten fireplace and rescue crews had been known as to deal with the hearth, which began on Thursday night and prompted a significant response and warnings for native residents to remain indoors.

The hearth was nonetheless burning on Friday morning however was below management, the council stated. Different assist home equipment remained on scene, together with a hydraulic platform, a water provider, a command unit and a high-volume pumping unit.

Two additional firefighters suffered severe accidents and had been in hospital, the council added.

The chief fireplace officer, Rob MacDougall, stated: “It’s with a really heavy coronary heart that we right this moment report the lack of two of our firefighters. Households have been knowledgeable and are being supported.”

The recommendation for native residents to stay indoors and shut all home windows was lifted on Friday morning. Roads that had been beforehand closed had been being opened however site visitors was stated to be heavy.

An announcement from South Central ambulance service stated: “We had been known as at 18.57 on Thursday night to stories of a severe incident at Bicester Movement.

“We despatched a sturdy command construction to assist workers and are at present on scene because the incident is ongoing.”