Uncertain Future for Montana Animal Shelter After Methamphetamine Incident
The Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings, Montana, is facing an uncertain future after a cloud of smoke from the incineration of two pounds of methamphetamine seized by the FBI filled the building, sending workers to the hospital. The incident occurred on Wednesday when the FBI used an incinerator at the animal shelter to burn the drugs, according to city officials.
Assistant City Administrator Kevin Iffland explained that the smoke was sucked into the building due to negative pressure, and a fan that was supposed to be used to reverse the pressure and vent the smoke outside was not readily available. The incinerator is typically used to burn carcasses of animals euthanized or collected by the city’s animal control division, but it is also used by local law enforcement and FBI agents to burn seized narcotics every few months.
Evacuation and Relocation of Animals
Fourteen animal shelter workers were evacuated and taken to the hospital, while the shelter’s 75 dogs and cats were relocated or placed in foster homes, according to Iffland and shelter director Triniti Halverson. The workers were treated for symptoms such as headaches, sore throats, dizziness, sweating, and coughing, with some spending several hours in an oxygen chamber.
Halverson reported that symptoms have lingered for some workers, and they are closely monitoring four litters of kittens that were heavily exposed to the smoke. The shelter shares space with Billings’ animal control division, and when the smoke started filling parts of the building, Halverson initially thought it was from burning carcasses, as she was unaware of the drug burns.
Investigation and Cleanup
The FBI routinely uses outside facilities to conduct controlled drug evidence burns, according to agency spokesperson Sandra Barker. The city is investigating the incident, including whether the incinerator was operating at the correct temperature to prevent toxin emissions. The shelter will remain closed until it can be tested for contamination, and shelter workers have been tested for potential exposure.
A company hired to assess and clean up the building is conducting air quality tests before any remediation can occur. The owner and CEO of Newman Restoration, Andrew Newman, described the situation as “unique” and expects lab results to be available by next week. The incident has raised concerns among local residents, with one donor expressing anger and questioning why the drug burns were conducted inside the city limits.
Conclusion and Reference
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safe and proper disposal of hazardous materials, including seized narcotics. The Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter’s future remains uncertain as it awaits the results of the investigation and cleanup efforts. For more information on this story, visit Here.
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