Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

- Louise McEvoy

The incredible sense of smell of highly-trained dogs has put arsonists and even murderers behind bars. Fire investigation dogs are trained to retrieve evidence pivotal in securing convictions, in sometimes high-profile cases.

For fire investigator and dog handler Nikki Harvey, based at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service but who covers all six counties in East Anglia with black Labradors Reqs and Thor, it’s a dream job.

Nikki first became interested in a career in the fire service while studying for her A-levels in 1992 but at that time there was a height restriction of 5’6” to become a firefighter and being only 5’3” she says, ‘I was never going to be tall enough’. She instead took a job as a control room operator, during which time the height restriction changed and she became eligible to apply. The fire station in her home town of Hitchin had an on-call firefighter unit – she successfully applied and began training in 2000.

That same year, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s first fire investigation dog, Browza, a black Labrador, started his seven-year career. When Browza retired in 2007, his handler decided not to continue in the role and it opened up an opportunity that would transform Nikki’s life.

‘I’d always had a big interest in dogs from an early age and had my own Labrador, Barney, so there was absolutely no hesitation in me applying to take on this role.’

Nikki landed the job, and another black Labrador, CC, became her canine colleague, both living and working with her. During six years CC attended 384 fire scenes.