strange smell coming from gas fireplace... trying to clean it, but have a question?

I have a strange smell coming from my gas fireplace. The gas company was here today and checked it out and said it wasn't gas or CO. The guy suggested cleaning it. I've got the glass off the fireplace and there is material like stuff under the logs near where the flame would be.... looks kind of like insulation material??! Not sure if it's supposed to be there... or if I should remove it. Thanks in advance for your help!

Public Comments

1. Maybe it's you. Have you tried bathing?
2. just to be sure spray it with soapy water from a spray bottle if it don't make bubbles you are ok , do it where the pipes are joined
3. I don't know about the smell, but the insulation type material is supposed to be there. It's the fake embers.
4. It might not be in the fire place but in the chimney, you see animals such as cats and raccoons, or other warm blooded animals may climb inside on a cold winter night and become trapped, and eventually die and begin to rot, the smell might actually be rotting animal carcass. You need to get a chimney sweep up their and have them clean it out, look in the yellow pages for a chimney sweep.
5. That stuff collects the gas and gives the apperarance of a wood fire- leave it . Check to see if a squirrel or small bird got in the flue. Or a mouse may be the culprit.
6. You did not specify whether it is a vented or unvented log kit. Since it is in your fireplace, please open the draft to be safe until you know!! It is common for new log kits to "cure out" which does put off an odor. Although unpleasant, it is not harmful. The insulation is the "burning embers" effect that is part of the visual appeal of the kit. ALWAYS leave the glass doors open when using!! For combustion and ventilation air purposes!!
7. The stuff that looks like insulation is actually rock wool to simulate the look of hot coals when the gas fire place is burning.