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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Although direct storm damage from the remains of Hurricane Zeta did not lead to local fatalities, Maplesville has lost a resident due to a Zeta -related house fire.

Chilton County Coroner J. Aaron Ellison said Charles Douglas Seales, 66, died on Oct. 31 while his house was without power because of storm damage.

Seales is thought to have been lighting his home with candles.

“A preliminary investigation indicated one of the candles being used was the source of the blaze,” according to a press release.

“This is a tragedy, and I would like to remind those who still remain without power to be very vigilant regarding alternative sources of light, including candles,” Coroner Ellison said in the release. “Seales body has been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Montgomery for an autopsy. The State of Alabama Fire Marshall’s office is leading the investigation.”