Explosions heard during Bicester fire at former RAF base, thick smoke visible for miles

Witnesses have heard ‘multiple explosions’ and have seen clouds of smoke billowing for miles as an inferno engulfed a former RAF base.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at former RAF base, Bicester Motion, in Oxfordshire earlier this evening.

Around ten fire crews are understood to have been fighting the blaze at the motoring and aviation heritage site since 6.30pm today.

Locals have been urged to avoid the area, as well as being advised to remain indoors and close their windows ‘until further notice’.

A social media user shared snaps of the plumes of dark smoke coming from the site, claiming to have heard ‘multiple explosions’. 

Kieran McGurk, who works as a product director and resides near Bicester Motion, mentioned hearing ‘multiple bangs’ while observing dark smoke spreading across the sky.

‘As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens,’ he said.

As McGurk described it, several fire engines and police cars rushed by the area, and as they reached the corner at the end of the street, ash began to fall, revealing the enormous magnitude of the situation.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at former RAF base, Bicester Motion, in Oxfordshire earlier this evening 

Around ten fire crews are understood to have been fighting the blaze at the motoring and aviation heritage site since 6.30pm today

‘Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site.’

Bicester Motion, previously named Bicester Heritage, accommodates more than 50 specialized businesses specializing in classic car restoration and engineering.

Historic England say the iconic airfield is ‘the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase’ in the country. 

Molly Pipe told the BBC that the smoke could be smelt ‘from perhaps half a mile away’. 

Local councillor Sam Holland said he saw the blaze ‘from a distance’ adding: ‘There’s lots of emergency vehicles.

‘Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier. I had spoken to someone as they were leaving. I hope there is nobody hurt or worse.’

A Bicester Motion spokesperson said: ‘Further to the incident, emergency services have been called and are attending on-site.

‘We appreciate the concern from local residents and wish to communicate that the company is working with the emergency services and a further statement will be made as appropriate.’

Plumes of smoke billowing from the sky amid the blaze at the former heritage centre today 

Witnesses have heard ‘multiple explosions’ and have seen clouds of smoke billowing for miles as an inferno engulfed a former RAF base

Local councillor Sam Holland said he saw the blaze ‘from a distance’ adding: ‘ There’s lots of emergency vehicles

Firefighters at the scene at Bicester Motion this evening, with one person claiming smoke could be smelt from ‘miles away’

Local councillor Sam Holland said he saw the blaze ‘from a distance’ adding: ‘ There’s lots of emergency vehicles

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: ’10 fire and rescue crews are currently attending an ongoing serious incident at Bicester Motion from 18:39 this evening.

‘We would advise people to avoid the area, and for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows until further notice.’

A South Central Ambulance spokesperson said: ‘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’.

MailOnline has approached Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for comment. 

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.