An early morning fire destroyed a cottage in Alnwick/Haldimand Township on Saturday morning. Around 7:50 a.m., township firefighters, Northumberland OPP and paramedics were called to a structure fire on Shearer Point Road on Rice Lake near Roseneath. Fire crews found the cottage engulfed in flames when they arrived. Three occupants made it out safely. The owner says he heard crackling sounds in the walls and thought it was mice but then noticed smoke. And then discovered more smoke coming from the metal roof area. Fire crews from Hamilton Township and Trent Hills were also called to assist in fighting the fire. Damage is expected to exceed $275,000. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.