Meth Smoke Incident Hospitalizes Montana Shelter Workers

A serious incident unfolded at a Montana animal shelter when fumes from incinerated methamphetamine seized by authorities filled the building and led to the hospitalization of workers.

This troubling event occurred at the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings. According to city officials, the drug was incinerated on Wednesday by the FBI at the shelter, causing the dangerous smoke to infiltrate the interior.

Kevin Iffland, an Assistant City Administrator, explained that the smoke infiltration was likely due to negative air pressure. In normal operation, a fan would be used to reverse the air pressure, effectively expelling smoke from the facility. Unfortunately, no such fan was present at the time.

Normally, the shelter's incinerator is dedicated to disposing of animal carcasses, a routine task managed by the local animal control division. However, the facility is occasionally utilized by law enforcement for destroying seized drugs, as noted by Iffland.

The incident led to the evacuation of fourteen shelter workers who required medical attention at a hospital. Concurrently, the shelter transferred its 75 cats and dogs into foster care, as reported by both Iffland and Triniti Halverson, the shelter's director.

Sharing premises with Billings' animal control, the shelter staff initially thought the pervasive smoke resulted from carcass disposal. Halverson expressed that they were unaware of any narcotics incineration activities until this incident.

Describing her experience, Halverson recalled suffering from a severe headache and throat irritation, symptoms mirrored by colleagues who experienced dizziness, sweats, and coughing.

"Certainly not a celebration," she remarked.

While hospitalized, shelter staff discovered the true nature of the smoke via a call from a city official. Treatment involved several hours spent in an oxygen chamber, Halverson noted, with symptoms persisting for some employees.

Particular attention is being given to four litters of kittens that faced significant exposure due to being in a confined space with heavy smoke, Halverson related.

The FBI routinely utilizes outside facilities for controlled destruction of narcotic evidence, stated spokesperson Sandra Barker, directing further inquiries to officials from Billings.

Despite the presence of a city animal control supervisor during the incident, declines to seek hospital services were cited by Iffland, while FBI agents were mandated to get checked by their supervisor.

It's crucial for the incinerator to function at a specific temperature, avoiding toxin emissions. Whether this criterion was met on Wednesday is under investigation, Iffland stated.

The shelter remains non-operational while assessments for contamination occur. Staff members have undergone testing for possible exposure; the outcomes currently unknown, Iffland mentioned.

"We're uncertain about our total losses," admitted Frans Andersson, a shelter board member and attorney, highlighting the lack of a current inventory of affected items.

Air quality assessments are underway before remediation can commence, informed Andrew Newman, CEO of the restoration company tasked with cleanup. This scenario is unlike typical residential meth-related incidents due to the commercial nature and its intended use, Newman explained.

Newman anticipates lab results by the following week.

Community member Jay Ettlemen, expressing frustration after arriving with donations on Friday, questioned the wisdom of contraband destruction within urban limits.

"Why obliterate drugs downtown? There are plenty of remote locations," Ettlemen contended.