A methamphetamine burn by the FBI inside a Montana animal shelter caused smoke that hospitalized 14 workers and forced the shelter to close temporarily, officials said. The incident occurred during a drug incineration on Wednesday, when negative pressure pulled smoke back into the building instead of outside.
- Methamphetamine incineration caused smoke in shelter.
- Smoke led to hospital visits for workers.
- Incinerator used for animal carcasses and drug burns.
- Shelter's animals were relocated or fostered.
- Exposure symptoms included headaches and dizziness.
- Shelter remains closed pending contamination tests.
The FBI used the shelter’s incinerator, usually for animal carcasses, to burn two pounds of seized meth. The smoke filled the building due to a missing fan meant to control airflow. Workers from Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter experienced headaches, sore throats, dizziness, and coughing. Most spent hours in oxygen chambers for treatment. Four litters of kittens, in a closed room, were also exposed to the smoke. The shelter, sharing space with city animal control, is now closed pending contamination tests. The incident highlights safety risks during drug evidence burns, which are typically conducted outside.
- Ensure proper ventilation and equipment readiness during drug incinerations.
- Test the shelter for contamination before reopening.
- Monitor staff and animals for symptoms of exposure.
- Review safety protocols for handling seized narcotics in shared facilities.
The incident underscores the risks of burning drugs in indoor facilities and the importance of safety measures. The FBI routinely burns evidence outside, but this case shows potential hazards when procedures go wrong. Shelter staff and local officials are now assessing the situation to prevent future incidents. The community remains concerned about safety and proper drug disposal methods.
Further testing and safety reviews are underway before the shelter reopens. The incident, reported on September 13, 2025, serves as a reminder of the dangers involved in handling and disposing of illegal substances.
