Elementary school evacuated in Pierce County after students find ‘unusual odor'
Staff and students evacuated an elementary school in Spanaway today because of an unusual odor. According to a post from Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, crews went to Naches Trail Elementary School in the 15000 block of Waller Road East at about 7:58 a.m. The school day had not started, but several students who had arrived early noticed the odor and then said they felt ill. Paramedics evaluated the students, then released them to their parents, the post said. Crews also monitored the air throughout the building and said people could re-enter the school safely. While investigating, crews found an illegal outdoor burn in the area, which might have caused the odor, the post said. Crews found the burn and extinguished it. “Bethel School District officials communicated with affected staff and families throughout the incident,” the post said. “Once the building was determined to be safe, students and staff were able to return to school.” CPFR is taking the opportunity to remind residents about the impacts of outdoor burning. “Burning garbage, plastics, treated wood, and other prohibited materials is illegal and releases harmful pollutants into the air. In some areas of our fire district, burning yard waste is prohibited year-round,”
