Arson Awareness Week Begins May 3

The U.S. Fire Administration has declared the theme for the 2015 Arson Awareness Week, held the week of May 3, to May 9, 2015, as Accelerant Detection Canines – Sniffing Out Arson.

The state of New Hampshire currently has two accelerant detection canine teams. Molly, who works with handler District Chief Stacey Dubois of the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office and Wynett, who works with Deputy Fire Marshal Mitch Cady of the Manchester Fire Department.

New Hampshire State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan and Manchester Fire Chief James Burkush would like to take this week to highlight the value and contribution accelerant detection canines make to the fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and communities throughout the State of New Hampshire. Through the support of State Farm, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office has effectively used accelerant detection canines to combat the violent crime of arson throughout the state of New Hampshire for the past twenty-five (25) years. The Manchester Fire Department put their first accelerant detection canine team into service in 2009, thanks to a grant from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

According to the U.S. Fire Administration from 2010-2012, an estimated 17,400 intentionally set fires in residential buildings were reported to U.S. fire departments each year, resulting in 275 civilian deaths, 800 civilian injuries, and $513 million in property loss. For this same time period, an estimated 9,000 intentionally set fires occurred in non-residential buildings each year resulting in $282 million in property loss.

The use of an accelerant detection canine team has the ability to save both time and money during a fire investigation. Accelerant detection canines can allow investigators to collect fewer but more accurate evidence samples. If the canine performs a negative sweep at a scene, the collection of samples may not be necessary. In both cases, the use of an accelerant detection canine team saves investigators and laboratory analysis personnel valuable time and expense.

Marshal Degnan and Chief Burkush would also like to invite you to attend two events planned during this week:

A mini media day with canine demonstrations is planned at the NH Fire Academy “A” Building for Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 1:00 PM. In addition to Molly and Wynett, two other accelerant detection canine teams from around New England are also anticipated to be on hand.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2015, both Molly and Wynett will be attending the 11th Annual Safe Kids 500 being held at the NH Motor Speedway from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. We hope to see you there!

Any further inquiries can be directed to the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office – Bureau of Investigations, District Chief Stacey Dubois or Deputy State Fire Marshal Keith Rodenhiser at 603-223-4289.