Fire Department Evacuates Riverhead Home after Oil Burner Malfunctions

The Riverhead Fire Department evacuated a Maple Avenue home early Thursday morning after an oil burner in the building's basement malfunctioned, spewing heavy smoke and carbon monoxide into the home. 

Police and Fire officials responded at 4:25 a.m. to the home on the corner of Maple Avenue, Fire Chief Nicholas Luparella said. Firefighters said they noticed heavy smoke coming from the basement and forced the door open. After investigating, fire officials said they found the oil burner had broken and high levels of carbon monoxide had flooded the basement and first floor.

All residents were evacuated and checked by the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps for carbon monoxide poisoning, Luparella said. Firefighters used fans to remove the smoke.