In The Lab With Origin and Cause: Accelerant Detection Dogs

When we attend a scene, it is our job to determine the origin and the cause of the fire and/or explosion. The investigation that follows is based on an understanding of the science behind the incident, and in the end, our conclusion must be supported by physical evidence recovered from the scene. In an investigation where the use of accelerants is suspected, and samples have to be taken, we bring in the K9 unit led by Sid Murray.

Dogs are able to detect extremely low volumes of fire accelerants, with far more accuracy and speed than humans, or even machines. They are trained from a young age to sniff out and lead fire investigators to traces of unburned fuel so that samples can be taken from precise locations and sent to a lab for analysis.

Not only does a professionally-trained accelerant detection dog greatly increase our ability to locate residual flammable substances, but it does so without bias, prejudice or judgment.

Expert Panelist: Sid Murray

Sid has been training certified detection dogs for over 25 years. He is the trainer and handler of Origin and Cause’s K9 unit, assisting our fire and explosion experts in investigating incidents that may involve the use of fuels as accelerants. He has completed over 1,000 fire investigations, and has worked with police departments, government agencies and companies throughout North America, South America and Europe. He is also the author of two books on the subject, Passive Alert Detection Dog Training Manual and Bomb Dog Training.

Host: George Costandi

Our discussion will be moderated by George Costandi. George leads marketing and sales at Origin and Cause. He is responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s marketing and sales strategies. He also acts as a liaison between clients and internal operational staff, ensuring that the highest standard of client relations and product quality is delivered to our business partners.