A businessman who was killed in a devastating aerodrome inferno died trying to help fire crews, his family has revealed. 

Dave Chester, 57, lost his life when a former RAF base in Oxfordshire went up in flames on Thursday evening.

Two firefighters, Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, were also killed as they tried to tackle the blaze at Bicester Motion business center.

In a heartbreaking tribute, Mr Chester’s family described him as a ‘hero’ and revealed how it was his selfless nature that ultimately cost him his life.

They said: ‘Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help. 

‘This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening; he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation. 

‘He was not a victim but a hero; he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself.’

Witnesses said they heard multiple explosions and that clouds of dense black smoke could be seen for miles while the inferno raged.

Drone footage from the scene revealed a large door on the aircraft hangar collapsed as flames engulfed the building.

Resident Shane Jones told The Times that the hangar that was on fire contained ‘gas cylinder and tonnes of tyres’.

A fundraiser for the families of Ms Logan and Mr Sadler had surpassed £8,000 at the time of writing.

Both firefighters worked at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) and Mr Sadler was also part of the London Fire Brigade.

The duo had been members of Bicester Rugby Union Football Club for many years and the club has organised a fundraiser for The Fire Fighters Charity and the families of the victims. 

Two further OFRS firefighters suffered serious injuries and are still in hospital on Saturday, Steve Wright of the Fire Brigades Union said.

Thames Valley Police has launched an unexplained death probe following the fire, but it has not been confirmed as a criminal investigation.

In a press conference last Friday, Chief Rob MacDougall was visibly emotional as he read a statement to the media, taking several pauses to compose himself.

He said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that today we report the loss of two of our firefighters. A member of the public has also sadly died in the incident. Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.

‘The families have been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts remain with them at this most difficult time and we ask for their privacy to be respected.

‘We cannot release any details at present but will provide further information as soon as we can.

‘We were called to the scene at 18:39 yesterday and at the height of the incident we had ten fire engines tackling the fire. We remain on site with a reduced presence and the fire is under control.

‘Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues affected.’

With his voice cracking, Chief MacDougall fought back tears as he added: ‘I’m immensely proud and grateful for the multi-agency response and the unwavering bravery demonstrated by all the emergency services personnel.’

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said they were ‘mourning the loss’ of two colleagues killed in the blaze at the classic car and aircraft restoration site.

A tribute released by Mr Chester’s family reads: ‘Dave was the most amazing man we will ever know, we love and miss him so much. 

‘He was a loving and caring father, husband, son and brother. He was Bicester born and bred and known by almost everyone. Once you met Dave, you never forgot him or his quirky sense of humour.

‘You won’t find anyone who worked harder than he did, he built an incredible business from the ground up alongside the help of his family and friends. 

‘Bicester Motion has been a huge part of our lives, with many amazing memories and friends made along the way.

‘Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help. This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening, he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation. 

‘He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself.

‘Although he is no longer with us he will always be in our hearts and his legacy will continue.’

Members of the public lay flowers and tributes at the scene of the fire.

Three bouquets were laid under the Bicester Motion sign outside the former RAF base where there is still a heavy police presence.

A handwritten note read: ‘Thank you for your service. Our hearts are with the services and families.’

The note featured hand drawn pictures of an ambulance, police officer, doctor, and firefighter. The flowers also include a handpicked bunch of daisies.

Dave Ward, 81, a retired fire-fighter was among those paying tribute at the scene.

He laid a bunch of flowers and saluted to the tribute and said: ‘I’m a retired firefighter. I retired in 1988 but I’ve served in London and I now understand that one of the guys was from London.

Speaking through tears he added: ‘Nobody will understand what a great family it is to be in the fire service. We’re all brothers wherever we serve.

‘Things have become a lot safer, when I was serving quite a few guys lost their lives but things have come a long way since then so its more of note now really.’

A large number of floral tributes have also been laid outside Bicester fire station.

Cards read: ‘Our hearts have broken for the loss of two heroes. All our love and prayers. With deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.’

A message left from Thames Valley Police reads: ‘To my Red Light Family, in memory of two heroes. With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Always in our thoughts, your Blue Light Family (TVP).’

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shared his ‘devastation’ at the news and praised the ‘astounding bravery’ of firefighters.

He posted on X: ‘Devastating news. My thoughts are with their families and friends. The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery.’

Speaking at the scene outside Bicester Motion, Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller said: ‘This is just devastating news for this community, and my heart goes out to the families and friends and colleagues of the three people who have lost their lives overnight.

‘When we might be running away from an incident like this, firefighters and other members of the emergency service run towards it in order to keep the rest of us safe.

‘I’m very sure that in due course the community will want to mark what’s taken place and make sure there’s an appropriate sign of respect and commemoration for those who have lost their lives.

‘I’m sure that the many businesses that are based here will be feeling very deeply the losses that have taken place and are equally keen to consider how they can both commemorate and rebuild after this tragedy.’

Around ten fire crews rushed to Bicester Motion to tackle the blaze in a warehouse at around 6.40pm last Thursday.

The former RAF base is now home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering.

Eyewitnesses described seeing thick ‘black’ smoke in the sky from as far away as Oxford last night and hearing multiple loud explosions.

Vikas Talwar, 40, who lives in a housing estate near Bicester Motion, could see the fire from the street corner outside his house.

He said: ‘There was a lot of smoke yesterday. Lots of people were gathering here on the corner but a lot of smoke was coming out.

‘There was flames on the roof, on the top of the roof, and a huge big cloud of smoke in the air. I could see it from this corner near my house.’

Julie Stocker saw the flames from her bedroom window and described the deaths as ‘devastating’.

The 46-year-old, who lives across the road from Bicester Motion, said: ‘We could hear the crackle of the fire and then obviously the various explosions and stuff.

‘(The smoke) was going very high. It was a mixture of white smoke and then really thick black smoke.

‘We were praying that obviously no one was injured, but sadly that’s not the case. It’s devastating.’