LAFD firefighters discover 2 bodies after West Hills garage fire

WEST HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Firefighters discovered two bodies after knocking down a blaze in a detached garage in the West Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Fire crews responded to a blaze in the 22500 block of Vanowen Street at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday.

"I saw black smoke coming out from the house. Immediately, did a U-turn, told my wife to call 911," said James Lua.

Lua said he banged on the door and on the windows in case anyone was inside. He pulled out a garden hose, trying to extinguish the flames.

Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department said the bodies were found after firefighters extinguished the flames. The victims have not been identified.

"This marks a very, very tragic occasion for us. This is going to be the first two fire fatalities in 2016," said LAFD Asst. Chief Gregory Reynar.

One fire officials said it appears there was a quick flash over, and the occupants were trapped.

According to a neighbor, a Salvadoran couple had been living in the garage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.