SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- A man and woman have been charged with two counts of murder, after two burning barrels containing human remains were found in bushland about 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Sydney on the Australian east coast.

Volunteer firefighters made the gruesome discovery in a state forest near the town of Nowra Sunday, following a telephone call to emergency services of a possible bushfire in the area.

But instead of a bushfire, they found two smoldering 44-gallon (166-liter) drums containing two bodies.

Earlier, at 2.30 a.m. Sunday a 27-year-old man went to Nowra police station, where he was questioned throughout the day and charged. A 36-year-old woman was charged at 8 a.m.

Police said the victims were believed to be a man and woman from the local area and probably knew their killers.

The missing couple's burnt-out utility truck was found shortly afterwards parked near the Nowra naval base, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from where the bodies were found.

Forensic tests are being done to establish the victims' identities and cause of death.

The charged man and woman were denied bail and will appear in Nowra court later Monday.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapc...day/index.html