Naches Trail Elementary School in Spanaway temporarily evacuated for strange smell
Nov 6, 2026, 12:44 PM
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Naches Trail Elementary School in Spanaway was temporarily evacuated Friday morning because of a strange odor in the building.
According to Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, the smell made several students feel sick.
Crews were called to the building just before 8 a.m.
Affected students were evaluated by paramedics and released to school staff and their parents.
A Hazardous Materials Team conducted extensive air monitoring throughout the building and deemed it safe to go back inside.
During the investigation, crews determined that an illegal outdoor burn in the area may have caused the smell. The burn was extinguished.
Bethel School District officials communicated with affected staff and families throughout the incident. Once the building was determined to be safe, students and staff were able to return to school.
