Drug Burn at Billings Animal Shelter Sends Staff to Hospital

If you're like me, when you think of the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, you probably picture wagging tails, adoption days, and volunteers making sure every dog and cat feels loved, right?

Would it surprise you to know that very same shelter is also used by law enforcement to destroy drugs? Yes, drugs. Confiscated narcotics like meth are actually burned in an incinerator right there on site.

Incinerator Malfunction Sends Drug Smoke Back Into Shelter

On Wednesday, during a scheduled narcotics burn, the process didn’t go as planned. Instead of the smoke being pulled safely away, a pressure issue inside the incinerator pushed fumes back into the building. In an instant, the shelter wasn’t just filled with pets and staff, it was filled with smoke.

Officials Confirm Meth Burn Led to Smoke Incident

The Billings Police Departments later explained that a partner law enforcement agency was on site during the burn, overseeing the destruction of meth inside the incinerator, which is owned by the City of Billings. The equipment’s pressure problem was the direct cause of smoke flowing back into the shelter.

Shelter Staff Hospitalized After Unexpected Exposure

The shelter team, who expected a typical day caring for animals, suddenly faced smoke exposure. Several staff members became ill and were taken to Billings Clinic and Intermountain Health for treatment. Thankfully, they were able to get the care they needed quickly.

Quick Action Saved Animals From Harm

Even in the middle of everything going on, the staff didn’t hesitate to protect the animals. Dogs were led from their kennels, cats were placed into carriers, and all of them were moved outside to safety.

Get our free mobile app

Previous Incinerator Issues Raise Safety Questions

What is raising eyebrows is that this isn’t the first time the incinerator has had problems. Q2 reports that within the past year, the same equipment had to be renovated after a similar pressure issue. Naturally, that leaves people wondering what additional steps might be taken to ensure both staff and animals stay safe in the future.

8 Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Pets from Ticks

Until science catches up with the growing problem of ticks, prevention is your best defense. Experts at Binghamton University suggest five things you can do to protect yourself and your pets.

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor

25 Amazon Items Sold in Montana That Have Been Recalled

If you’re an Amazon shopper, you might want to put your eyes on some of the recent recalls to make sure you’re safe.