Authorities in Redwood City have identified the two individuals who were found deceased in a liquor store that caught fire last week, though the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Firefighters responding to the blaze discovered the victims early in the morning on November 3 at the Avenue Liquor Store on Roosevelt Avenue, according to local officials.
The two individuals have been identified as 56-year-old Benigno Nuguid Pare and 25-year-old Anil Kumar Sharma. Fire crews arrived at the scene around 5:30 a.m. and found the two men inside the store. Despite the rapid response, both were pronounced deceased.
The Redwood City Police Department, the Redwood City Fire Department, and the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office are all actively investigating the incident. Officials emphasized that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and that they do not know the reason Pare and Sharma were inside the building at the time of the blaze.
Police and fire department investigators are working together to examine the scene, collect evidence, and interview potential witnesses. The investigation includes evaluating any available surveillance footage from the store and surrounding businesses, as well as examining the structure and materials within the building to better understand what may have contributed to the fire.
While the origin of the blaze and the circumstances leading to the presence of the two individuals inside the store remain unclear, authorities are treating the case with the utmost seriousness. Both the Redwood City Police Department and the Fire Department have asked members of the public who may have information related to the incident to come forward. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact the Redwood City Police Department at (650) 780-7100.
The local community has expressed concern over the incident, highlighting both the tragic loss of life and the potential risks associated with commercial property fires. Officials continue to stress the importance of fire safety in retail and commercial spaces, including functioning alarms, sprinkler systems, and safe storage of flammable materials. While investigators are focused on determining the cause of this particular fire, the incident also serves as a reminder for businesses to regularly review safety procedures and emergency response plans.
Fire investigators and police are conducting a thorough review of all available evidence, including examining electrical systems, potential accelerants, and other factors that may have contributed to the blaze. At the same time, the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office is completing examinations to confirm the identities of the victims and provide additional information that may help investigators piece together the sequence of events.
Authorities have not yet released any further details regarding the store’s operational status, its employees, or whether any other individuals were present during the fire. They have emphasized that public safety remains a priority while the investigation is ongoing, and that the situation is being approached with both sensitivity and diligence given the tragic outcome.
The community is encouraged to stay informed through official updates from the Redwood City Police Department and Fire Department. Law enforcement and fire officials continue to work collaboratively to determine what happened, offering support to families and residents affected by the incident.
As the investigation proceeds, officials hope that anyone with information about the fire, the victims’ presence in the store, or any related circumstances will come forward to assist in clarifying the events. This cooperation is considered critical in ensuring a thorough and accurate investigation while helping prevent similar incidents in the future.
