Tank Cleaning Operation Sends Fuel Smell Through Downtown Everett

Several people evacuated their offices in downtown Everett this afternoon after a strong odor of fuel came through the city streets. Everett Fire crews were called out and eventually traced the smell to a cleaning operation on a barge at the Port of Everett. The smell was very strong along Wetmore, Colby and Hoyt between Everett Avenue and California.

Apparently tanks on a barge at Pier 3 were being cleaned out and the smell from that led right into the downtown. Everett Fire had the workers suspend the cleaning and the odor began to dissipate. It did take some time for it to clear out of the downtown area. People were advised to open their doors and windows and let their places air out.

While unpleasant, there were no reports of injury.