BUFFALO, N.Y. — The first floor of a burning convenience store collapsed into the basement early this morning, killing two firefighters.

Flag-draped gurneys carrying the bodies were brought out of the two-story building this morning as fellow firefighters, some saluting, lined up and took off their helmets. Weeping and distraught people believed to be relatives had been escorted from the scene moments earlier.

Authorities could not immediately confirm reports that a third person — possibly a civilian the firefighters tried to rescue — was missing in the basement, a police spokesman said.

The fire at the Super Speedy deli was reported just before 4 a.m. The deli is on the ground floor of a corner brick building in a working-class neighborhood on the city's east side. Firefighters were still pouring water on the gutted building hours after the blaze began.

"I've been on 36 years and seen every situation happen. We still do what we have to do," said Fire Chief John McFeely. "It's always very, very tragic. The guys are so close together, but we've got a job to do. In another half an hour, if there's another fire down the street, we'll be there."