Montana Animal Shelter Staff Hospitalized After FBI Meth Burn Mishap

BILLINGS, Mont. – Fourteen staff members from the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter were hospitalized after being exposed to a cloud of methamphetamine smoke during an FBI drug incineration operation. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, saw two pounds of seized meth burned at the facility, leading to a critical public health and safety concern in Billings.

According to Assistant City Administrator Kevin Iffland, a fan meant to prevent smoke from re-entering the building was not available, causing the toxic fumes to be sucked back into the shelter. The incinerator, typically used for animal carcasses, is also utilized by law enforcement every few months for narcotics disposal. Shelter director Triniti Halverson stated that staff were unaware of the drug burns, initially mistaking the smoke for burning carcasses.

Workers experienced severe symptoms including intense headaches, sore throats, dizziness, sweating, and coughing. Most spent several hours in an oxygen chamber for treatment, with some reporting lingering effects. Four litters of kittens are also under close observation due to heavy exposure.

The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, with questions arising about the appropriateness of conducting drug incinerations within city limits. The shelter remains closed pending contamination tests, and officials are investigating whether the incinerator operated at the correct temperature to prevent toxin emissions. The FBI has referred further inquiries to Billings city officials, while the community awaits answers and assurances regarding future safety protocols.

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