Wash. Firefighters Investigate Stinky Mystery

Sept. 7, 2011
SNOHOMISH CO., Wash. -- A strange, foul odor is being reported by people in several Snohomish County cities. “It basically smells like you’ve got dog poop on your feet,” said Echo Lake resident, Mike Ryan. “You just can’t get rid of it.” Residents from Maltby to Monroe, and from Clearview to Gold Creek have been complaining about the stench they call “relentless.”

SNOHOMISH CO., Wash. --

A strange, foul odor is being reported by people in several Snohomish County cities.

“It basically smells like you’ve got dog poop on your feet,” said Echo Lake resident, Mike Ryan. “You just can’t get rid of it.”

Residents from Maltby to Monroe, and from Clearview to Gold Creek have been complaining about the stench they call “relentless.”

The Snohomish Fire Station has received 10 calls about the smell since last week, including reports from drivers that can smell the foul odor from inside of their cars.

Three more people filed complaints at separate fire stations located up to seven miles away.

Ryan initially blamed his dog for the stench, but notified police after he realized the smell could be detected even when standing far from the pet.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Rick Price smelled it Tuesday morning west of Monroe along Highway 2.

"It just about knocked us over," said Price.

Firefighters are continuing to search for the source of the smell, but have so far been unsuccessful.

Crews said Tuesday they are looking into the idea that local farmers may have sprayed a type of manure that is causing the smell, after a reaction with the recent hot weather.

The theory is unconfirmed, but neighbors are now pitching in to help find the source of the “overwhelming” smell.

“It can make your eyes water and make you just feel nauseous,” said Dianne Guiberson of Gold Creek. “It can just get so potent.”

Copyright 2011 by KIROTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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