Arson Dogs, like Henny, can be instrumental in the investigation of fire scenes. Trained to detect and alert to a minute amount of petroleum-based fuels, these dogs can easily be the difference between finding the cause of the fire or not.

Arson Dogs are more skilled at detecting accelerants on a fire scene than humans with electronic detection devices. Expensive hydrocarbon detectors are sensitive, but dogs can pinpoint traces that escape electronic detection. Electronic detectors also do not discriminate between normally burned items in fire scenes that are made from petroleum products, such as foam cushions and items that might contain an ignitable liquid. But dogs can and do detect this difference.

Dogs also save time and resources by helping fire investigators process the scene faster and more efficiently. What might take an hour without a dog will probably take only minutes with a trained dog.

Another situation where the dogs are invaluable arises when there is no visible evidence left behind of a set fire.  In some fires, the damage is so severe it obliterates most burn patterns. Even in a total burn, the dog is able to detect trace evidence left behind.

Accelerant Detection Canines are valuable tools in arson investigation, but they do not replace the need for thorough and experienced fire investigators and crime labs. Working collaboratively with professional fire investigators, a properly trained dog is the best tool available to find trace evidence of ignitable liquids.

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Last Modified:   May 01, 2009