Fire Investigation Dog for the Detection of Hydrocarbons

Since 1964, Karenswood has been a pioneer in training dogs to detect ignitable liquids in fire investigations. Our Fire Investigation Dogs are a powerful tool, helping investigators to solve complex cases faster and more accurately.

How Fire Investigation Dogs Assist Investigations

Origin and Cause: Accidental or deliberate (arson)?
Ignition Source: What initiated the fire?
Accelerants: Were flammable liquids used to fuel the fire?
Point of Origin: Where exactly did the fire start?

Pioneering Fire Investigation with the World’s First Hydrocarbon Detection Dog

The results achieved were truly phenomenal and Karenswood (International) Ltd trained the world’s first dog for the detection of hydrocarbons in illegal fire settings – the Fire Investigation Dog.

This groundbreaking achievement led to Karenswood being entrusted with formulating the Standard Operating Procedures for the British Home Office regarding the training and deployment of all Fire Service Dogs in the UK.

Global Recognition and Expertise

The practice of the use of dogs for hydrocarbons detection in fire investigation quickly gained international recognition with Karenswood (International) Ltd giving advice and assistance to fire services of the United Kingdom and across the world – just one of the many successful research and development projects conducted by the Karenswood Organisation.​

Tailored Solutions
Karenswood caters to the specific needs of fire services by offering:

Trained Fire Investigation Dogs: Ready to be deployed in active investigations.
Handler Training Courses: Equipping personnel with the expertise to handle these specialised canine partners.

“Star”, Europe’s first Fire Investigation Dog for the Detection of Hydrocarbons at his Passing Out Parade.

Karenswood (International) Ltd assisted in establishing the Fire Investigation Dog Section for an overseas Government. One of the dogs, supplied fully trained by Karenswood, was thought so highly of that he was awarded the “Animals Asia’s [sic] Dog Devotion Award for Outstanding Service” and was celebrated on a special edition of that country’s national postage stamp.