This dog helps firefighters investigate arson

GILBERT, AZ (InvestigateTV) — While many dogs are beloved companions, others are specifically trained for critical work like detecting crime or assisting people.

Labradors and golden retrievers are breeds that make excellent service dogs. This comes from their intelligence and friendly nature, which makes them highly trainable for daily tasks.

But another skill is their sense of smell, and some are trained to detect what may have started a fire.

At the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department, they have a new member who doesn’t drive a truck or wear turnout gear. She works on all fours and her nose leads the way.

Xanadu, a yellow Labrador retriever, helps arson investigators determine whether a fire was deliberately set. Her specialized skills prove invaluable at fire scenes.

“When we go on a fire scene and everything is burned and charred and water has been put on the fire, she’s able to search the area and alert us to where ignitable liquids are,” Gilbert fire investigator Josiah Saladen said.

The proficient pup has been on the job since October after completing 12 weeks of training with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Every year, the ATF converts dozens of dogs into accelerant-detection canines that join fire agencies across the country.

Twice a day, seven days a week, Xanadu is put to the test in a room filled with clothing, cardboard and cans.

Her job is to locate items that contain traces of flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel and lighter fluid.

Josiah said he gives Xanadu a command, she puts her nose down and systematically works in a pattern to cover the scene, sniffing floor debris, wood, carpets, furniture and tables.

“She’ll be able to process that scene with her nose,” he said.

Xanadu can detect six classifications of ignitable liquids, covering dozens of products people might use to start a fire.

She is now the only ATF accelerant-detection dog in the state, replacing Gilbert’s last fire dog, Zeta, who recently retired.

Josiah said he can’t imagine going to a fire scene or anywhere else without her.

So far, Xanadu has been used in about a dozen cases and has proven to be a valuable asset to the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department.