Two people who appeared to be homeless died after the propane barbecue they left running to heat the van where they lived caused a fire.

The man and woman have not been identified yet, but Portland Fire and Rescue spokesman Rich Chatman said that the flame from the barbecue ignited nearby clothing. The fire eventually engulfed the Econoline van where they slept.

Chatman said that the bodies are so badly burned that the Medical Examiner’s office will likely have to use their teeth to find out who they are. The autopsy had not been started yet and Chatman said it is unclear how long that will take to complete.

On Monday, witnesses reported a fully-engulfed Ford Econoline at North Vancouver Way and Northeast Middlefield Road shortly before 6:30 a.m. Fire crews arrived and put the fire out, and while they were sifting through the remains of the van, found two bodies.

Neighbors said that the couple appeared to have been living in the van at that location for the past two weeks. A cyclist recounted banging on the door of the van to see if anyone was in there.

The Medical Examiner’s examination will also be needed to figure out the cause of death. It is possible the two died or were incapacitated by the level of carbon dioxide in their blood rather than the actual fire, Chatman said.

It is a frustrating problem that Portland Fire and Rescue is seeing more often as homelessness grows in the city, Chatman said.

The materials that people who don’t have homes live in are much more combustible than wooden doors, drywall or a couch. Nylon tents, sleeping bags and bedding catch fire easily, especially when someone is using a gas or propane barbecue as a heat source.

Even a few minutes of cooking with those kind of stoves can send a tent or camp up in flames if something goes wrong.

As summer approaches and more people begin sleeping outside, Chatman said the agency is trying to get that message out. But the traditional channels don’t necessarily work for people who don’t have easy access to the newspaper or TV.

Fire inspectors have occasionally gone to some of the more established homeless camps to do educational inspections. While many homeless people worry that the inspectors are there to punish them for countless violations of safety codes, Chatman said Portland Fire and Rescue is starting to build up more trust that allows them to point out how dangerous using these devices inside tents or vans can be.

But that is time-intensive work.

“It’s very relevant right now and it’s something we are actively talking about,” Chatman said. “How do we distribute our resources to get that message out to everyone?”

Jayati Ramakrishnan contributed to this report.