An FBI operation went wrong, forcing an animal shelter to evacuate—what dangers did the animals face?
The FBI was incinerating seized methamphetamine in Billings, Montana. This occurred at a facility near the Heart & Soul Animal Shelter. Smoke from the burn quickly spread, impacting the shelter.
All 32 animals and shelter staff were evacuated as a precaution. Several workers were taken to a local hospital for evaluation. They experienced respiratory issues due to smoke inhalation.
The shelter is now facing weeks of cleanup and uncertainty. Meth residue contamination poses a significant challenge. The incident highlights risks associated with controlled burns.
The shelter anticipates a lengthy recovery process, impacting animal care services. Investigations are underway to prevent similar incidents in the future.
