Massive Concord Mansion Fire Ruled 'Tragic Accident,' Started In Chimney

CONCORD (CBS) – A massive fire that destroyed a Concord mansion has been determined to be accidental, starting in the home's chimney.

Photos: Fire Destroys Concord Mansion

On Friday, flames gutted a $2 million mansion at 240 Fairhaven Hill Road.

Property records show the home was built in 1897. The two-and-a-half-story structure has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus tennis courts and a pool on the property.

On Monday, Concord Fire Chief Thomas Judge, Police Chief Joseph O'Connor, and Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey announced the cause of the fire.

A fire in the fireplace extended from inside the chimney through a breach in the mortar, which "allowed super-heated gases to escape and ignite structural components."

"We're confident the fireplace was used in a correct and appropriate manner by the occupants of the home, and that this was a tragic accident," Judge said.