Fourteen staff members at a US animal shelter were hospitalized on Wednesday after the FBI used an incinerator at the facility to burn two pounds of seized methamphetamine. Staff and some 75 cats and dogs were evacuated from the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter in Billings, Montana, when the building filled with smoke. The incinerator is usually used by animal control officers to dispose of euthanised animals, but local authorities said it can also be used by law enforcement to burn seized narcotics. The cats and dogs have been relocated, and the animals which experienced the most smoke exposure are now under supervision. The incident was caused when smoke was pushed in the wrong direction due to negative pressure, according to Assistant City Administrator Kevin Iffland. Shelter executive director Triniti Halverson stated she was unaware of the drug burn occurring on site, expressing concern that her team and the animals were exposed to dangerous narcotics. Many employees put on masks and assisted in evacuating the animals before evacuating themselves. Some staff were exposed to the smoke for over an hour and felt unwell; all fourteen were treated in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to address smoke inhalation. The impacted animals received veterinary care and were placed in temporary housing, although the shelter's restoration process may take weeks. Halverson is urging for public donations for supplies to support the displaced shelter operations.