Firefighters Find 2 Bodies Inside O.C. Home After Extinguishing Blaze

GARDENA (CBSLA) — Authorities say they recovered two bodies from the scene of a house fire in Garden Grove over the weekend.

The fire started just before 8 p.m. Saturday in the 8800 block of Chapman Avenue.

When firefighters arrived, there were flames visible through the roof, prompting additional resources to be requested.

The fire was extinguished within 55 minutes. Firefighters say a search of the home revealed two deceased residents. They were described as one male and one female.

Neighbors told CBS2's Joy Benedict the woman was in her 90s and had lived in the home for many years.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known but officials said there were no working smoke detectors.

Thangh Nguyen of the Garden Grove Fire Department says smoke detectors are vital.

"It's critical," he says, "because that's what's going to alert you before the fire gets too big and out-of-control. And that's your one and only opportunity to get out."

A neighbor who appeared to be in his 20s, said he's know the woman since he was a little boy.

"They were very nice," said John Nguyen. He said the woman was a widow. She was found in a back bedroom.

The male victim was found near the front door. His relation to the woman was unclear.

Authorities said damage to the structure was estimated at $400,000.