St. Catharines Fire is blaming a pot left on the stove for a damaging house fire in the city.

It happened on Eastchester Rd Friday morning.

A stranger rescued the person inside the house before firefighters showed up.  They were taken to St. Catharines General Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Damage is pegged at $50 000.

The fire department is reminding you to pay attention when whipping up a snack or meal.