LAKEWOOD – The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has added a four-legged team member ‘Ash,’ whose skills are already being put to use. In her short span of employment, Ash has contributed to the investigation of seven fires since she started 11 days ago. 

“I welcome Ash to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Here in Colorado, fire season has become year-round, which is why we have doubled down on our fire response efforts. We want to do everything we can to prevent major fires while investing in important response tools. Ash is not only a good girl, but is now an important part of our work to keep Colorado communities safe, and we are excited to see all that she can accomplish,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

Ash is dually trained as an accelerant detection canine and a therapy dog by Jordan Detection K9s. She attended Jordan Detection K9 in Indianapolis, Indiana for training with her handler Matthew Morgan, DFPC Fire Investigator and Canine Handler. 

“We’re pleased to be able to offer this service of having an accelerant detection canine available to our local fire and law enforcement agencies to act as part of the investigations team. Ash is one of only three accelerant detection canines available in Colorado and she is the only one currently at the state level who can quickly be dispatched to serve our communities,” said Chief Chris Brunette of the Fire and Life Safety Section at DFPC. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), municipal fire departments in the United States respond to an estimated annual average of 52,260 intentional fires each year, with associated annual losses of 400 civilian deaths, 950 civilian injuries, and $815 million in direct property damage. The actual number of arson fires and amount of property damage is likely much higher because arson is an underreported crime. Arson dogs played a key role in helping to determine the cause of many of these fires. 

If you are an agency interested in dispatching the investigation team or would like a demonstration of how Ash works, please contact DFPC at: [email protected].