A compromised fireplace gets the blame for a fire at a single storey home on Lakeshore Road between Blackwell Side Road and Telfer Road Tuesday afternoon.
Sarnia Fire and Rescue says the owner returned home around 4 p.m. to discover smoke coming from the well used fireplace and promptly called the fire department.
Damage is estimated at $40,000 and no injuries were reported in the blaze.
Fire officials advise homeowners to have a professional look over your fireplace regularly to make sure it's working like it should.
with files from Josh Boyce
