Church services and a two-minute silence have been held to remember two firefighters and a 57-year-old man killed in a fire at an Oxfordshire business park, as a local reverend said “our hearts are broken”.

Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died while tackling the fire at Bicester Motion on Thursday evening. David Chester, a father of two who ran a business at the site and lived in Bicester, was also killed.

The Reverend Peter Wright, Rector of Bicester, said: “We hold the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in our prayers.”

Two other firefighters who suffered serious injuries are “conscious and remain in a stable condition” in hospital, Thames Valley Police said.

The force said they were being supported by Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue and specially trained officers had also been deployed from Thames Valley Police.

Services at churches including St Mary’s Church, Launton, and St Laurence’s Church, Caversfield, have been taking place on Sunday, including prayers for the grieving community.

Mr Wright added: “We hope people will come together to support each other.”

People gathered in Garth Park for a two-minute silence at 11:00 BST to remember those who died.

Afterwards there was spontaneous applause. Organiser, former firefighter Victor Belton, said he “simply wanted to do something for them”.

Bicester Town Council said the flags on its building at Garth House were flying at half mast “as an expression of our sorrow and respect for those who lost their lives”.

The authority said it was “committed” to doing all it could “to support our community at this incredibly difficult time”.

“We will have a book of condolence available from Monday 9am for commemoration, and St Edburg’s Church will be holding a quiet service of reflection that will take place at 7pm.”

People can sign the book of condolence in Garth Park, Launton Road, from Monday to Thursday between 09:00 and 17:00 and on Friday from 09:00 to 16:00.

Located in the heart of the town, the peaceful park has become a focal point for people wanting to pay their respects, and where, on Saturday, the number of bouquets laid beside a central ornamental pond grew from a handful in the morning until, by evening, the water was completely encircled with bright flowers.

Many came to leave tributes and read those left by others, hugging, wiping away tears and siting down beside the water in reflection.

One tribute read: “In awe of your bravery, heartbroken by your sacrifice.” A fire engine toy was also left on top of a picture drawn by a child.

People can also light candles, write a prayer card and sign a book of condolence at both St Edburg’s Church, Bicester, and St Laurence’s Church, Caversfield.

Both Ms Logan and Mr Sadler were involved with the women’s team at Bicester Rugby Union Football Club.

The club’s chair, Paul Jaggers, described Ms Logan, who joined the women’s Vixens team about three years ago, as “a dedicated and driven number 8, committed to being the best player she could be for the team”.

“She was a kind, gentle and thoughtful force to be reckoned with, who knew what the women’s game deserved.”

He said Mr Sadler had been involved with the club for more than 20 years, playing senior men’s rugby for more than 10 years before “hanging up his playing boots” to support the women’s team as first-aider.

He added he always brought “his infectious smile and energy to every game.”

“You forget these guys put their lives on the line every time that call comes in – it really was a huge shock.

“In time, we will look at ways to properly remember them. It’s very raw at the moment.

“We will carry their memories in our hearts into every game, training, social and every day”.

He added the club also offered their condolences to the family and friends of Mr Chester.

Stuart Smith, a close friend of Ms Logan, said he was “so proud” to have known her.

Describing her as “honest, trustworthy and very determined” he said her work ethic and “loyalty towards people” was “amazing”.

“She’s a role model. She will be remembered by a lot of people for a long, long time, I think she’ll like that as a legacy if she can inspire people. Then she’ll be satisfied.”

The site of the fire, at Bicester Motion, was home to more than 50 specialist businesses, focused on classic car restoration and engineering.

It was formerly RAF Bomber Command in World War Two and became redundant in 2004.

Josh Bord, who was laying flowers at the site, where he worked with Mr Chester, said he was “such a lovely bloke who was always there to help you.

“Over the years he has slowly done up each building – he was part of the furniture.

“He was such a nice old boy, I can’t believe it. I’m in shock.”

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

On Saturday a guard of honour was formed by 14 firefighters at Bicester Fire Station, to welcome back two of the fire engines sent to the scene.

Firefighters removed their helmets and stood in two lines as the fire engines drove through the entrance.

Flowers have also been left at the fire station.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has said it would be conducting a full investigation into the incident, “for now, we are grieving for our fallen colleagues and friends”.

Mr Chester, who ran family business Chesters & Sons at Bicester Motion, joined the estate when it was bought 12 years ago and was described as “part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all”.

“We will cherish you Dave and you will be sorely missed,” said Bicester Motion’s chairman Daniel Geoghegan.

He added the father-of-two was “a pillar of our whole business community.”

The Chesters & Sons website says its work at the former RAF base “included carefully unearthing four buried wartime air raid shelters so as not to damage the structures to allow them to be renovated by another contractor”.

Mr Geoghegan added the firefighters had showcased “the epitome of selfless service” and had “gone above and beyond under unprecedented circumstances”.

The fire, reported at about 18:30, rapidly spread through a former aircraft hangar at the site.

Fire investigators and Thames Valley Police are working to establish the cause.