CSFRS is the only Service in Scotland to operate Fire Investigation Dogs through handler Trevor Lynch, a retained firefighter at Larbert.
Border Collie Jay and Springer Spaniel Mitch are specially trained to sniff out flammable liquids used to start fires.
They were trained by a Home Office approved instructor from Central Scotland Police Dog Section over a six week period - a first for any police force in Scotland. They then achieved operational status by completing a Home Office approved exam which is carried out annually.
Approximately 80 fires a day are deliberately set in Scotland - that's more than 30,000 a year - and this accounts for more than half the call-outs for the fire services.
Every year these fires cause millions of pounds worth of damage and children and young people can suffer serious burns setting fire to skips, piles of rubbish, derelict buildings and abandoned cars.
Mitch and Jay, who are used by other Fire and Rescues Services in Scotland, help to significantly reduce the time and money spent on investigating deliberate fires. They quickly indicate the area where the accelerant was placed, regardless of the severity of the fires, and samples are then taken away for testing. These samples are sent to forensic labs in Dundee or Edinburgh to be verified.
However its not all work and no play for Mitch and Jay. The dynamic duo help the Service's Community Fire Safety team carry out their vital work in the community by visiting schools, youth clubs, childrens' organisations such as Brownies and Beavers etc. In the evening, visits are carried out with various local organisations including Church groups and care groups etc.
Mitch and Jay also spend the summer months visiting Gala Days and Fun Days throughout Central Scotland.
If you would like Jay and Mitch to visit your organisation, please click here and give details of your request.