Two firefighters among three people killed in blaze at former RAF base in Oxfordshire | Oxfordshire

Two firefighters and a member of the public have died after a large fire at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire county council said the two firefighters died while tackling the blaze at Bicester Motion on Thursday.

Bicester Motion, home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering, is at the site of RAF Bicester, a former bomber station.

Ten fire and rescue crews were called to tackle the fire, which started on Thursday evening and prompted a major response and warnings for local residents to stay indoors.

The fire was still burning on Friday morning but was under control, the council said. Other support appliances remained on scene, including a hydraulic platform, a water carrier, a command unit and a high-volume pumping unit.

Two other firefighters suffered serious injuries and were in hospital, the council added.

The 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.”

The advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows was lifted on Friday morning. Roads that were previously closed were being opened but traffic was said to be heavy.

A statement from South Central ambulance service said: “We were called at 18.57 on Thursday 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.”