THE HEARTBROKEN family of a father who tragically died alongside a heroic firefighter in a blaze revealed he was trying to help the fire crews.
Dave Chester, 57, passed away when a former RAF base in Oxfordshire burst into flames on Thursday evening.
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His family described the businessman as a “hero” in a heartfelt tribute.
The 57-year-old had selflessly stepped in to help the firefighters, ultimately costing him his life.
“Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help,” the family said.
They added: “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.”
Dave passed away alongside Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, in the fire.
Jennie worked with Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service while Martyn served with both Jennie in Oxfordshire and with The London Fire Brigade.
Tributes have poured in for the victims of the blaze, with Martyn’s cousin paying tribute to his “role model and hero”.
Writing on Facebook, he said: “Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming number of messages following the devastating loss of my cousin, colleague, role model and hero Martyn Sadler at the fire in Bicester last night.”
Daniel Geoghegan, CEO of Bicester Motion also gave an emotional tribute to the lives lost in the tragedy.
He said: “The last 24 hours have been tragic in so many ways.
For the families of those we have lost, the incredible and brave emergency services who have worked tirelessly, our team who has worked relentlessly and the wider Bicester and Oxfordshire community which has shown the most generous support and kindness.
“I wanted to first pay tribute to the three lives that have been lost.
“To Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, the two firefighters who so bravely tackled the scene. The epitome of selfless service.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.
“They have gone above and beyond under unprecedented circumstances.
“No words can ever make up for what has happened, but they are all very much in our hearts.”
In a statement from Thames Valley Police tonight, the force explained it had commenced an unexplained death investigation into the tragedy.
It added that the investigation was currently not criminal, but that evidence could change this.
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Cops said: “Last night (15/5), a major incident was declared following a fire at the Bicester Heritage at Bicester Motion site on Buckingham Road.
“Two firefighters from the fire service tragically died in the line of duty while attending this incident.
“A third person, who is a member of the public, also sadly died in the incident, while two other firefighters have been injured and are being treated in hospital.”
On Friday, Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall commended his colleagues for their ” unwavering bravery” as he gave an emotional statement.
Fighting back tears, he said: “A member of the public also sadly died in the incident.
“Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.
“Ten fire crews attended the incident at Bicester Motion, having been called to the scene at 18:39. Four crews remain at the scene with the fire now under control.”
RAF Bicester was predominantly used as a training site, but became redundant in 2004.
The 350-acre former airfield in Oxfordshire became an active station over a century ago in 1917.
Nineteen of the buildings on the site are Grade II listed, and some structures are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Bicester Heritage, more commonly known as Bicester Motion, is home to more than 50 specialist businesses which centre around classic car restoration and engineering.
Historic England describes the iconic site as “the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase” in the country.
In a statement, Bicester Motion described the bravery of emergency services as ‘overwhelming’ as they said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the three deaths.
Molly Pipe told the BBC that the smoke could be smelled “from perhaps half a mile away”.
Resident Vikas Talway, 40, told the Daily Mail he could see the fire from the street.
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.”
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