Fire Dogs Woodie and Twix.
Within a matter of minutes, their powerful noses help to sniff out substances that may have been used to start a fire deliberately.
Fire Dogs Woodie and Twix work for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) where they carry out an important role in helping identify the use of ignitable liquids at incidents where arson is suspected.
The English Springer Spaniels are based at Bishop Auckland Fire Station and are expertly looked after by Colin Davis, the Service’s Fire Investigation Search Dog Handler and Divisional Manager.
Every day they undergo training to sniff out even the smallest quantities of ignitable liquids to ensure they are always ready to assist Fire Investigation Officers at an incident.
Woodie, who joined the Service in 2017 and Twix, who joined in 2022 have now been praised by proud handler Colin as the Service celebrates their valuable contribution on National Dog Day (August 26.)
“The beauty of fire dogs is that they can very quickly and effectively search a large area for indications of any ignitable liquids present,” Colin said.
“Their noses are a million times better than anything else we have and can detect low level odours beyond the human detection range.
“Once the dog is committed into the fire scene, it will indicate at source on any odour given off by an ignitable liquid present.
“Once that happens, we use a piece of equipment that will tell us what it is, and how many quantities, that sort of thing.
“The dogs help to speed up the time on scene for the Fire Investigation Officers.”
But when they’re not assisting at incidents, Woodie and Twix also help to engage with children and people in the community when crews pass on safety messages.
Colin continued: “The dogs are not just a great advantage operationally, but we use them to help promote community safety messages to our young people and members of the public through schools, fetes, and open days.
“They are great company - the crews love them!
“I think they have been a real asset to the Service.”
