Fire dog sniffs out arson

The dog can sniff out 11 different types of accelerants

A dog, who takes just three minutes to detect traces of arson at fire scenes, has been recruited by South Wales Fire Service.

The 15-month-old Labrador, who has been trained to sniff out petrol, lighter fuel and other substances used to start fires, is the first of his kind in Wales.

About 85% of fires in the south Wales area are believed to have been started deliberately compared to a UK average of about 56%.

As well as detecting arson attacks the dog will go to schools in the area to educate young people about fire safety.

The dog has been given special boots to prevent his paws from getting burnt.

Trainer Matt Jones has been with the dog, whom he calls Sam, every day for nine weeks and said he has been a joy to work with.

"To him it is just a game. He is trying to find his toy and get a reward.

Sam has special boots to stop damage to his paws

"He's been out on several fires with me already.

"There was a house fire in Tredegar, where the first floor of the bedroom had fallen into the kitchen.

"There were thinners in the kitchen cupboard, innocently, which were buried under three to four feet of rubble but Sam managed to find them.

"I spend 20 to 30 minutes risk assessing the fire scene before sending Sam in," said Mr Jones.

"His safety is paramount to me and if its not safe he doesn't go in."

His trainer Matt said Sam is his priority

The dog who was originally trained to detect bombs is one of only ten in Europe.

Divisional fire officer Steve Martin said he hopes the dog will deter potential arsonists.

"The provision of a 'sniffer' dog is another important step in the fight to reduce arson in South Wales, which currently costs our community more than £36 million a year", he said.

"A dog's sense of smell is several hundred times more acute than that of a human and is even capable of detecting the use of accelerants up to 20 days after an incident"