David Elliott, NSW Minister For Police and Emergency Services, Media Release, 3 July 2021

Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) Ignitable Liquid Detection Canines have welcomed enhanced resources and a vehicle which will allow firefighters to transport canines across the state, including remote areas, to investigate fire scenes.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott celebrated the $100,000 NSW Government investment, which will guarantee the dogs – Xenos, Xando and Gandalf – will travel safely while also allowing the canines and their handlers to cover large areas, as they help firefighters undertake fire origin and cause analysis.

Mr Elliott said the funding of the new vehicle forms part of the NSW Government’s record $900 million investment in FRNSW.

“The Ignitable Liquid Detection Canines are unique in Australian fire services and are constantly on the move with their handlers to investigate fires across the state,” Mr Elliott said.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing FRNSW with the latest technology and tools to get on with their very important job. The results of a canine’s discoveries at a fire scene are crucial and will be utilised by FRNSW, NSW Police Force and the Coroner’s Office.”

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the new vehicle is a great boost to the existing fleet.

“FRNSW has some of the most highly-trained people and animals in the world who are ready for a variety of emergencies,” Commissioner Baxter said.

“We are the leaders nationally in this field, and the new vehicle provides the canines and their handlers with all the latest equipment to assist them and other emergency services organisations in determining the cause and origin of fires.”

The new vehicle includes:

• Standalone air-conditioning for the K9 cage powered by a lithium battery;
• Dual access to the K9 cage (rear and off-side);
• Stowage compartments for equipment and dirty gear; and
• Flammable liquids (training odours) stowage.

Since their graduation as fully-fledged Ignitable Liquid Detection Canines late last year, Xenos and Xando and their respective handlers, Craig Gordon and Ray Irving, have attended more than 70 fire sites. Veteran dog Gandalf and handler Tim Garrett have attended more than 100 fire sites.

Watch the video: here