Dog joins fire investigation team

A new recruit is joining the fire investigation team with Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Ember, a 20-month-old Labrador, will help investigate fires believed to have been started deliberately.

The investigation dogs, with a superior sense of smell, can detect flammable fuels with greater sensitivity and accuracy than electronic equipment.

Ember will wear special boots to protect her feet when working and a reflective harness and line.

She is the second fire investigation dog for the service, joining a black collie cross called Barney.

The dogs can search a large area quickly without disturbing evidence.

They are also used to search the scene after an arsonist has left and can search the homes, vehicles and clothing of suspected arsonists.