ZACHARY – Firefighters say one woman has died after a large house fire on Samuels Road near Zachary Tuesday morning.

The home is located in the 21000 block of Samuels Road. Zachary Fire Department officials contacted the State Fire Marshal's Office while working the fire. Family members and neighbors told firefighters that the homeowner, 80-year-old Ellen Butler, was not accounted for.

Firefighters later located Butler's body in the northern end of the home, according to the fire marshal's office. Autopsy reports indicate that Butler died as a result of smoke inhalation.  

A cause of the fire is still being investigated and has not been released at this time.