Montana Pound Puppies Evacuated to Avoid Meth Smoke

Billings Police are saying they, and their partner agencies, have long used the incinerator at the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, and that usually the schedule has worked.

But that wasn't the case this week when negative pressure built up inside the incinerator, sending smoke from the methamphetamine being burned back into the shelter.

Staff moved quickly to evacuate the dog kennels on that side of the shelter, and also moved the cats outside. BPD says several employees became ill and were taken to Billings Clinic and Intermountain Health for treatment.

🚨 Police are thanking staff for their quick response.

Montana sees a rash of small fire starts

Nearly two dozen new fires started across Montana yesterday, most from lightning strikes, and most were small. But this fire season isn't done yet, with Montana DNRC reporting there are still 54 active fires on the list.

Firefighters have finally been able to get 32% containment on the Windy Rock Fire in Powell County, which has scorched over 6000 acres since it started last week. However, residents living nearby have been allowed to return to their properties, although they remain under evacuation warnings.

The second largest active fire, the Cloudrest fire burning on the west side of the Tobacco Roots has changed little in size over the past week, and is now 54% contained.

Dennis Bragg photo

"Fire Weather" bill passes the Senate

The Senate has given its approval to a bill calling on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to set up a "fire weather" program.

The National Weather Service has long played an active role in fighting fires, sending specialized meteorologists to work with firefighters in the field.

But under the bi-partisan Fire Ready Nations Act, sponsored by Montana Senator Tim Sheehy and Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, more money would be provided for better forecasting tools to "predict wildfire and smoke conditions". NOAA would actually be given specific authority for fire response. A key "ask" is to have the agency develop a better "fire weather" model.

💨 All that will cost $118-million over the next five years.