Two adults were found dead on Sunday after a garage caught fire on St. Paul's East Side.

Firefighters, responding to a neighbor's call, found the detached garage engulfed in flames about 12:20 p.m. in the 1800 block of Sims Avenue. Police spokesman Sgt. Toy Vixayvong said the dead were inside the structure.

The Fire Department said two people were living in the garage at the time of the fire. Investigators said they believe the blaze was started when a space heater was accidentally knocked over.

Flames appeared to have blocked the garage service door.

Officers restricted access to White Bear Avenue as crews got the fire under control.

The identities of the victims have not been made public.

The fire deaths were St. Paul's first of the year. The city averages two to three fire fatalities each year, the Fire Department said.

Improper heating reportedly is a leading cause of fatal fires in cold weather.