Two Fall City women were sickened by a strange odor that cleared out homes in the Heather Crest neighborhood early Monday, May 24.

Fall City firefighters were called around 2:45 a.m., after five residents in the 33000 block of Southeast 52nd Street reported a strong chemical odor that caused throat irritation and a tingling, stinging sensation in the lips and tongue.

Two women, one in her late 70s, the other in her late 40s, were transported to Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue for evaluation.

As of Monday morning, the source of the smell was a mystery.

“A hazmat team did a sweep of the building with sensors and air monitors, but they were unable to find anything,” said Fire Chief Chris Connor.

Residents were asked to stay out of their homes, awaiting an investigation by ecology personnel.