Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Truro Fire Station at 28/04/2003 11:00

Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s new accelerant detection dog ‘Charlie’ will be demonstrating his role within the Brigade at Truro Fire Station on Monday.

Charlie is from The Blue Cross adoption centre in Tiverton, Devon, and has overcome a difficult start in life by becoming the newest recruit of Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s Fire Investigation Team.

Blue Cross animal behaviourist Claire Luscombe explains: “When I was first introduced to Charlie he was like a coiled spring with no idea how to channel his energy, but it soon became clear that he was an extremely quick learner. As many of Charlie’s problems seemed to be caused by boredom, the best way to deal with his behaviour was to direct this energy by giving him the mental stimulation he needed”

Claire contacted Cornwall County Fire Brigade and arranged a visit with dog handler and trainer Sub-Officer Richard Gibbons. Richard’s current dog ‘Nelson’ was nearing retirement so it was an ideal time to employ another dog.

‘Nelson’ has been working for the Brigade since June 1997 and has worked on more than 150 incidents, resulting in 5 convictions, with the rest of the Fire Investigation Team.
Sub-Officer Richard Gibbons explains: “Charlie and Nelson are stationed with me at Headquarters, and their duties with the investigation team include the detection of ignitable liquids which start fires, using their noses”

He cont: “Charlie and Nelson have both undergone a strict training regime. This starts with basic retrieval training, using plastic pipes and cotton wool soaked in petrol. These are hidden in various places outside. We then take this process indoors. The dogs then have to learn not to get excited when they find an indication, but just to sit next to the area. This stops any evidence being destroyed. The final stage is direct dropping of partially burnt liquid”.

The training takes about two months to complete. Upon completion the dogs have to go for certification at the Fire Service College in Moreton on the Marsh. Charlie passed his certification on Tuesday the 22rd April 2003. Charlie will now have to pass competence training annually.

Richard Gibbons added: “I plan to work Nelson and Charlie together for a couple of months, slowly reducing Nelson’s work load. When Nelson eventually retires Charlie will be ready to continue his good work”

Sub-Officer Richard Gibbons is also a member of the Community Fire Safety Unit in Headquarters. He assists the unit with its campaigns to make Cornwall the safest County in which to live, work and visit. Hopefully Charlie will also be happy to help with the campaigns.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire/fsafety/fs03i.htm