East Midlands fire dogs sniff out 580 years of custodial sentences

Two fire investigation dogs and their handlers, whose work has helped secure 580 years’ worth of custodial sentences, have been recognised with a national award.

Dogs Ginny and Barney and handlers Dave Coss and Tim Marston work with police and fire services in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire to help determine how and where a fire started.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said their work helped solve some of the most complex investigations.

Beth Pearson, fire investigation manager at NFRS, said: “This medal is a fitting recognition of the remarkable work the dogs do in helping bring arsonists to justice, alongside the dedication of their handlers.”

She added: “Over the last four years, the team has made a significant contribution to securing 580 years’ worth of custodial sentences in arson cases within the East Midlands since December 2021.”

The fire service said the team also helped to train firefighters and crime scene investigators, supporting academic research and sharing specialist knowledge with emergency services nationwide.

It said if an ignitable liquid had been used as an accelerant to deliberately start a fire, the dogs could detect the liquid in its natural state or if it had been burned.

Both dogs can be deployed independently, giving fire investigators added confidence in their findings.