CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Fire Department says the improper installation of a modular fireplace or a material defect caused a fire that resulted in $500,000 in damage to the home of Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera on Jan. 5.
PHOTOS: 2-alarm fire at Panthers' coach Ron Rivera's home
The department released its final report Thursday in a press release, saying it has ruled out foul play or criminal activity. Their investigation is now closed.
No one was hurt in the blaze.
Photos from inside Ron Rivera's home after fire
Rivera and his wife Stephanie are expected to be displaced for six to eight months while the house is rebuilt.
Investigators found a missing base plate and a hairline fracture in the fireplace.
Fire causes $500K damage at Panthers' coach Ron Rivera's home
The report says "the material or fuel which first ignited was the sub-floor, which was in direct contact with the bottom portion of the fireplace."
PHOTOS: Panthers' Coach Ron Rivera outside home after house fire
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