Smoke from a two-pound drug incineration filled the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, sickening staff and animals and forcing an evacuation.
Billings, Mont. (AP) — Fourteen employees of the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter were hospitalized after smoke from an FBI drug incineration filled the building, forcing an evacuation of workers and dozens of animals.
The incident occurred this week when federal agents burned about two pounds of methamphetamine in an incinerator located at the shelter. The device is normally used by local animal control but is also shared with law enforcement for drug disposal.
City officials said a negative air pressure problem caused smoke to be pulled into the shelter rather than vented outside. A fan meant to reverse airflow and prevent contamination was not in place at the time.
Shelter director Triniti Halverson said staff were not told beforehand that the burn would take place. Many employees believed the smoke was from routine animal incineration until symptoms appeared.
Workers reported dizziness, headaches, sore throats, coughing, and sweating. Most were treated in an oxygen chamber before being released.
About 75 cats and dogs were also affected. Kittens in closed rooms were hit hardest, according to staff. All animals have been relocated or placed in temporary foster care while the building is tested for contamination.
Assistant City Administrator Kevin Iffland confirmed the shelter will remain closed until air quality and safety inspections are complete. Officials are also investigating whether the incinerator reached the correct temperature to prevent toxic chemical release.
Community members have raised concerns about hazardous drug disposal inside city limits and the lack of advance notice to staff. The FBI said it regularly conducts evidence burns at external facilities but referred questions about this incident to local officials.
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