If you have an older home, we recommend every few years to have a qualified mason come out and inspect the chimney and foundation for cracks like this. Left unfixed, water can penetrate the cracks, causing leaks in the house such as this instance and also water can freeze in the winter causing the bricks to crack and break. “Heads up below” Please, take the time and energy to do preventative maintenance, it could save you thousands in the future.