The Riverhead Fire Department responded to the scene of a residential oil burner backup on Raynor Avenue Wednesday afternoon.
Firefighters received reports of a structure fire at about 3 p.m. Further investigation revealed the oil burner as the source of the smoke within the house. The flames were contained within the furnace.
The oil burner was backed up and smoking because approximately 10 gallons of diesel fuel were poured into the burner, according to Riverhead Fire Department Chief Tony White. The oil tank was empty and someone in the house thought the diesel fuel would suffice until a fuel oil delivery, he said.
Firefighters turned off the emergency oil burner switch and ventilated the house. The fire burned out within a half hour.
Four trucks and about 40 firefighters responded to the scene. Raynor Avenue was closed to traffic for about a half hour.
A Riverhead fire marshal is still at the residence investigating the scene.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl
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