'Very serious' fire at former RAF airfield in Bicester as huge plume of smoke seen
15 May 2025, 20:39 | Updated: 15 May 2025, 22:26
Firefighters are tackling a huge blaze at a motoring and aviation heritage site in Oxfordshire as a huge smoke plume can be seen.
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Bicester Motion confirmed on Thursday evening that emergency services had been called to its site.
The site is a historic RAF base, which is now used on a commercial basis for automotive and motor industry businesses.
The fire is believed to have started at about 6.30pm today, but it is not yet known what caused it. 10 fire and rescue crews are currently attending the ongoing serious incident.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned local residents to close windows and consider turning off air-conditioning.
In a post shared to social media, they said: "We're aware of an incident in Bicester which has caused a smoke plume to develop. Our current advice is go in stay in and close windows and doors. Make sure to close windows and doors and consider turning off air-conditioning."
Cllr Sam Holland, Local Councillor for Bicester East on Bicester Town Council, told LBC News: "The smoke has been billowing and seen from across the town."
He was unable to say whether there are hazardous substances at the site or not. He encouraged locals residents to stay inside and follow the advice from the fire service.
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South Central Ambulance Service said in a statement: "We were called at 18.57 this evening to reports of a serious incident at Bicester Motion.
"We sent a robust command structure to support staff and are currently on scene as the incident is ongoing."
Local resident Ozzy told LBC "there was loads of smoke".
He said: "It started with loads of explosions. It sounded exactly like thunder - I think it was the roof collapsing.
"There were loads of emergency vehicles - maybe 25 vehicles."
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Local residents have been sharing images of the huge smoke plume online.
One local shared an image to X, and wrote: "I have no idea what’s on fire in Bicester but it’s obviously huge as the sirens haven’t stopped for ages."
Another shocked resident posted: "MASSIVE fire at Bicester Heritage oh my gosh. Police, Fire, Ambulance all in attendance. Not far from me at all. Hoping nobody hurt."
