2 people found dead inside Redwood City liquor store after building caught fire, authorities say

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- Two people were found dead inside a liquor store that caught fire early Monday in Redwood City, authorities said.

Firefighters responded about 5:30 a.m. to Avenue Liquors on Roosevelt Avenue, where they found the building engulfed in flames.

Crews fighting the blaze were opening up the roof when they spotted the two people inside. Both appeared to be dead and had severe burns, according to a release from the Redwood City Police Department.

Once it was safe to enter, officers and investigators confirmed that the two were dead. Their names haven't been released.

The black smoke and sirens surrounding Roosevelt Plaza woke up residents.

"We heard chainsaws from all the way to my house. We live like a block or two away. Walked outside to the front door and just saw smoke and lots of firetrucks and police cars," said Jessica Martinez, a Redwood City resident.

Rahsaan Carty got to the shopping center at 5:40 a.m. and witnessed firefighters fighting the blaze at Avenue Liquors right next to his fitness studio.

"I noticed this whole thing was blocked off. We couldn't get inside and saw about 7 firefighters, 5 trucks and PD. This was all closed off and you can see the large black cloud coming out of the liquor store," said Carty.

What happened next has shaken this community.

According to Redwood City police "...firefighters opening the roof observed what appeared to be two individuals inside the structure. Both showed no signs of life and appeared to have sustained severe burns."

"It's one thing to have a fire, but to see two dead bodies is really devastating," said Carty.

Redwood City police have not revealed any details about what led to the fire or the people found inside. Leaving many in the community wondering if it's the beloved employees.

"They are always here every single morning. Once I got here and didn't see them come out, I knew something was wrong," said Carty.

Police said it's not known if the pair were living inside the store or why they were there when the fire began.

The store is located in Roosevelt Plaza, a small shopping center at 2147 Roosevelt Ave., near Mcgarvey Avenue.

The store owner is cooperating with investigators. The fire and the deaths are being investigated by the Redwood City fire and police departments, and the San Mateo County Coroner's Office.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Redwood City Police Department at (650) 780-7100.

Bay City News contributed to this report