A fire at a Montana animal shelter caused by smoke from burning two pounds of seized methamphetamine sent 14 workers to the hospital, raising safety concerns. The incident occurred during a drug incineration on Wednesday, which went wrong due to negative pressure pulling smoke inside the building. The shelter shares space with Billings’ animal control, and the smoke affected both staff and animals. The shelter is now closed for testing, and workers are being monitored for exposure. This event highlights risks involved in law enforcement drug burns within city limits.
- Smoke from meth incineration caused hospitalizations.
- Incinerator used for animal carcasses and drug burns.
- Smoke filled shelter due to negative pressure issue.
- Workers experienced headaches, dizziness, and sore throat.
- Shelter temporarily closed for contamination testing.
- Community concern over drug destruction practices.
On September 10, the FBI’s controlled burn of two pounds of methamphetamine inside a Billings animal shelter led to smoke inhalation injuries. The fire, meant to destroy seized narcotics, created dangerous fumes when negative pressure pulled smoke back inside. Fourteen shelter workers were hospitalized after experiencing headaches, dizziness, and sore throats. The shelter’s animals were relocated or fostered. The incident occurred around 2025-09-13 05:01:00, prompting safety reviews and testing for contamination. Law enforcement usually uses outside facilities for drug burns, but this one was conducted on-site, increasing risks.
- Investigate if the incinerator operated at the correct temperature to prevent toxin release.
- Test shelter for chemical contamination and monitor staff for health effects.
- Review procedures for on-site drug burns to prevent future incidents.
- Inform the public about safety measures and ongoing testing results.
This event underscores the dangers of conducting drug burns within city limits and the need for strict safety protocols.
The shelter remains closed until testing confirms safety, and authorities will evaluate how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
