News, Oxford
Thames Valley Police/family photoThe family of a firefighter who died in a devastating blaze at an Oxfordshire business park have said he was “born” to do the job.
Firefighters Martyn Sadler, 38, and Jennie Logan, 30, were killed along with father-of-two Dave Chester in the fire that engulfed the Bicester Motion site last Thursday evening.
Mr Sadler’s family said the “passion and dedication” he had for the job was “outstanding”.
“Our world has fallen apart and our hearts are completely broken, but somewhere in amongst it all we are immensely proud of him and his unwavering bravery,” the tribute added.
Family photos“Martyn was born to be a firefighter. Coming from a strong fire service family it was always in his blood, but it was significantly more than that with him, it was his life,” his family said.
“From as early as he learnt to walk and talk his days were filled with episodes of Fireman Sam or London’s Burning and as soon as he was old enough to join the fire cadets his career began. He achieved way beyond his dreams and nothing would ever put a bigger smile on his face.
“He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and all-round family member, an amazing friend, a committed colleague and the true definition of a hero.”
Mr Sadler worked for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and was also part of the London Fire Brigade.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said of Mr Sadler, “we have lost a well-respected and much-loved colleague who exemplified courage and selflessness in the service of others”.
“We are doing everything we can to provide support to Martyn’s family and colleagues.”
Two more firefighters remain in hospital in a stable condition after suffering serious injuries in the fire, which was brought under control. A police investigation has since been launched.
Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the blaze at about 18:30 BST on Thursday which rapidly spread through a former aircraft hangar at the site on Buckingham Road, and a major incident was declared.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) has taken over the scene from Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service after crews had brought the fire under control and made the area safe.
On Tuesday, the force said the major incident status had now been removed, with the operation moving “from a rescue to a recovery phase”.
Tributes have been paid by people across the UK and two plaques in memory of the three victims have been hung at the site, signed “Love from the Bicester Community”.
A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive said it was liaising with TVP on the investigation into the fire’s cause.
Bicester Motion said in a statement the site had worked closely with the force to “implement a phased return to work for on-site businesses”.
Mr Sadler and Ms Logan were also members of Bicester Rugby Union Football Club’s (BRUFC), with Ms Logan playing for the Bicester Vixens.
