NWAFS/CAC Joint Conference October 21, 2014 Presented by Copyright 2014 Fire K9.org.

Using Fire Canines in Arson Investigations

NWAFS/CAC Joint ConferenceOctober 21, 2014

Presented by

Copyright 2014 Fire K9.org

A specially trained and certified canine and dog handler used to detect traces of ignitable liquids in suspicious fires and arson investigations.


What is a CertifiedFire K9 Accelerant Detection Team?

Ignitable Liquids vs.

A Liquid that will readily ignite when exposed to an ignition source.

Leaves traces of Ignitable Liquid Residue (ILR)

Example: Gasoline

Accelerants

Material that is used to increase the rate of combustion for materials that do not readily burn.

Does not leave traces of ILR.

Example: Propane gas


What do the dogs detect? Ignitable Liquids

Gasoline Diesel Fuel Charcoal Lighter Lamp Oil Lighter Fluid Paint Thinner Kerosene Aviation Fuel And more….

Put Picture Here


Examples of Ignitable Liquids

Structures

Vehicles

Vessels

Aircraft

Wild Land

People


Types of Searches

Even though they are

often referred to as

“Arson Dogs.”


Fire K9s DO NOT Detect Arson


The Canine Sense of Smell• Is estimated to be 100,000 times keener than a human.

• Can detect as little as one micro liter (1000th of a drop) of an ignitable liquid.

• Can detect odors 20-40 feet underground.

• Canine olfactory bulbs weigh about 60 grams (four times as much as a human.)

• Can distinguish odor “layering.”


How Dogs Smell

Source: Journal of American Veterinary Medicine Assoc. p. 155, 1995-1996; 1969

Source= Wet Nose.

Mucous & cilia trap odor molecules and dissolve them.

Scent receptors send a signal along tiny nerves (axons) and olfactory nerves that sends a message from olfactory bulb to the brain, interpreting smells.

When nostrils are flared to sniff, shape of the nostril opening changes and redirects air to upper part of the nose to sensory cells.

Canines can detect which nostril has strongest concentration of scent.

The average dog produces about one pint of mucous per day.


How Dogs Smell

Species # of Scent Receptors

Humans 5 million Dachshund 125 million Fox Terrier 147 million Beagle 225 million German Shepherd 225 million Bloodhound 300 million


Estimated Average Number of Scent Receptors

Mechanical Sniffers vs. Canines

Mechanical Canines

Difficulty detecting tiny amounts of ILR - differs by mfg (Parts per billion.)

Need to be calibrated before use according to mfg specifications.

Storage or on-scene temperature

variations can cause false readings.

Short life span (1-2 years) – sensors degrade in time whether used or not.

Constantly needs to be exposed to fresh air/zero reading to burn off contaminants between probes.

Fresh batteries always needed.

Can detect 1-5 micro liters.

No calibration issues – Canines rarely have an “off” day.

Temperatures don’t cause false alerts.

7-10 year working life span depending on canine.

Not applicable.

Never need batteries!



Canine Selection – What Makes a Good Detection Canine?

• Good Temperament• Not Breed Specific• Energetic and Fit• Strong Food or Ball Drive

How the Dogs are Trained By a Professional Canine Training

Academy or Master Trainer

Ideal Age = 1.5 – 2 years

Training: 16-20 weeks Then Ongoing

Alerts Passive Aggressive

Rewards Food Reward Play Reward


Initial and Ongoing Training• Boxes Odor Recognition• Cans Scent Discrimination• Boards Pinpoint Detection• Articles Person Searches• Area Searches Indoor & Outdoor• Vehicles Cars, Vessels, Aircraft



How the Dogs Are Trained

NWAFS/CAC Joint Conference October 21, 2014 Presented by Copyright 2014 Fire K9.org.

Documents

Transcript of NWAFS/CAC Joint Conference October 21, 2014 Presented by Copyright 2014 Fire K9.org.