Press Release:
CANINE ACCELERANT
DETECTION ASSOCIATION
DHS/USFA’s 2015 ARSON AWARENESS WEEK:
ACCELERANT DETECTION CANINES – SNIFFING OUT ARSON
The Canine Accelerant Detection Association (CADA), along with The Department of
Homeland Security’s United States Fire Administration (USFA), will use the week of
May 3rd through May 9th to focus on the value and contributions Fire Investigation
Canines (FI-K9s) make, in both the public and private sector, to fire departments,
law enforcement agencies and their communities.
Fire Investigators routinely call on man’s best friend to help with their fire
investigations. FI-K9 teams help Fire Investigators determine the presence of
ignitable liquids at fire scenes, such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, etc. They assist
Fire Investigators in developing their hypotheses by gathering data to help determine
if an ignitable liquid is present or not. Samples secured based on the response of a
FI-K9 have a higher probability of laboratory confirmation than samples taken
without a FI-K9’s assistance.
From being a deterrent to potential arsonist, resulting in a reduction of the arson
problem, to helping a Fire Investigator find ignitable liquids, which may have been
used as an accelerant, FI-K9’s have an important role in the fight against Arson.
Fire Investigators armed with laboratory confirmation that an ignitable liquid was
present and has been used as an accelerant, use this information to help build their
case of Arson, leading to justice being brought to those committing this heinous
crime.
"Arson is a heinous crime and especially difficult to prosecute", said Deputy United
States Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. “We owe it to our investigators and to the
public to help them with the most effective tools available to battle this dangerous
and costly crime.”
There were about 17,400 intentionally set fires in homes each year during 20102012. These fires caused 275 deaths, 800 injuries and $513 million in property
damage and loss. During this same timeframe, there were 9,000 intentionally set
fires in commercial buildings. These fires resulted in $282 million in property damage
and loss. This information was provided to U.S. fire departments and reported by the
U.S. Fire Administration.
For more information regarding the proper use and the role FI-K9’s play in the fight
against Arson, go to www.cadafiredogs.com.
For more details about the Fire/Arson and Explosion Investigation Curriculum or any
of the other courses offered at the National Fire Academy, go to
www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa.