Scottsdale Area Fire Dog Xanadu Trained To Detect Arson Accelerants 

Xanadu, a two-and-a-half-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, has recently joined the Scottsdale area Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department as an accelerant detection canine, bringing a new level of expertise to arson investigations in the Scottsdale area.

 

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In rooms filled with the lingering scent of smoke and charred debris, Xanadu moves with purpose, her keen nose sorting through layers of odors imperceptible to humans. When she detects trace amounts of ignitable liquids, she sits calmly, signaling her handler to the presence of potential accelerants.

 

"She is about two and a half right now, and she's imprinted on six classifications of ignitable liquids," said her handler, Josiah, a fire investigator with Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department. (Josiah's last name is being withheld due to his former police work.)

 

Xanadu's role is crucial in distinguishing between accidental fires and those intentionally set. Her ability to detect accelerants that are often undetectable by human senses makes her an invaluable asset in fire investigations across Arizona.

 

As the only ATF-certified accelerant detection canine currently working in the state, Xanadu's services are in high demand. "She’s the only ATF accelerant detection canine in the state of Arizona," Josiah noted. "And there’s about 70 across the United States."

 

Her training is rigorous and ongoing. Xanadu is a food-reward dog, meaning she eats only through her work, participating in training sessions twice daily, seven days a week. This regimen ensures her detection skills remain sharp and reliable.

 

When deployed to a fire scene, Xanadu's precision allows investigators to collect evidence accurately, increasing the likelihood of laboratory confirmation of accelerant presence. This meticulous process is vital in building cases for arson investigations.

 

Despite her professional demeanor on duty, Xanadu enjoys a typical home life with Josiah, integrating seamlessly into his family. "At home, she’s integrating with the family," Josiah said. "She’s like a normal dog."

 

However, when it's time to work, Xanadu's focus is unwavering. "She’s a very driven dog and a hard worker," Josiah remarked. "You can tell by her demeanor."

 

Xanadu's addition to the Scottsdale area Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department underscores the commitment to enhancing fire investigation capabilities in the Scottsdale area. Her specialized skills not only aid in determining the causes of fires but also contribute to the broader efforts of fire prevention and safety within the Scottsdale area community.