There are several programs through which your fire department can acquire an accelerant detection canine.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

A qualifying state and local law enforcement agency or fire investigative agency can receive accelerant or explosives detection canine training free of charge from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Front Royal, Virginia. For further information on ATF’s Accelerant Detection Canine Program, contact the Canine Training and Operations Support Branch at 202-648-6560.

State Farm Arson Dog Program

State Farm places arson dogs with departments or agencies that respond to a minimum of 50 structure fires a year. State Farm also looks at applications where an arson dog will investigate in multiple cities/counties/fire districts, allowing you to combine information from surrounding jurisdictions to increase the fire load numbers.

Structure fires that your department responds to do not have to be identified as arson to be considered for the program. State Farm does not place arson dog teams with volunteer fire departments or with private fire investigation firms. When State Farm reviews applications for scholarships, they look at arson dog teams in areas with the greatest need and the applicants’ proximity to other arson dog teams when deciding where to place a new team.

For more information on the State Farm Arson Dog Program, visit arsondog.org or call 309-766-0922.