Overview
Arson Detection Dogs—often referred to as Accelerant Detection Dogs (ADD)—provide an exceptional capability for identifying trace levels of ignitable liquids within fire scenes. Their olfactory sensitivity allows investigators to rapidly isolate areas of interest, enhance evidential recovery, and significantly increase the accuracy and efficiency of post-fire investigations.
At Lupus Canine Support Services, our fire investigation dog teams are trained and assessed to the highest standards by instructors with policing, fire service and military backgrounds. Each dog undergoes rigorous suitability testing, operational conditioning and ongoing validation to ensure consistent performance in complex environments.
Core Capabilities
Accelerant Detection
- Detects trace quantities of ignitable liquids including petrol, diesel, kerosene, solvents, and mixed hydrocarbons.
- Non-invasive, passive indication ensures minimal scene disruption.
- Effective on burnt substrates, debris piles, vehicles, structures and open-air environments.
Scene Search & Prioritisation
- Rapidly identifies areas requiring forensic sampling.
- Supports fire investigators in determining point of origin and potential use of accelerants.
- Reduces time required for manual search and laboratory analysis.
Evidence Enhancement
- Increases recovery rate of positive samples for laboratory confirmation.
- Supports the evidential chain with professional handler reporting and video-recorded search processes.
Operational Environments
- Residential and commercial fire scenes.
- Vehicle fires.
- Industrial and warehouse incidents.
- Insurance investigations.
- Multi-agency fire investigation groups.
- Police-led arson and serious crime investigations.
Dog & Handler Standards
All teams provided by Lupus Canine Support Services undergo:
- Initial and ongoing certification in accelerant detection.
- Regular blind testing under operational conditions.
- Exposure and desensitisation to:
- debris, heat-affected structures
- loud noises, machinery, emergency service activity
- confined spaces & unstable footing
- Handler qualifications in:
- Fire behaviour & scene safety
- Evidence integrity and contamination-avoidance
- Reporting and witness statement preparation
Dog Selection & Procurement
Only dogs demonstrating the following traits are selected for ADD roles:
- High search drive and focus
- Strong environmental confidence
- Stability around people, fire crews, equipment and vehicles
- Ability to work on-lead or off-lead depending on scene requirements
- Clear, consistent passive indication
Deployment Options
- Full-time Arson Detection Dog Teams
- Ad-hoc incident response (24/7 arrangements available)
- Integrated investigative support alongside your fire investigation officers
- Training & capability development for police, fire service and insurance investigators
Speak to our specialist canine team today to integrate arson detection capability into your investigative operations.