by Lyle Adriano
At least 40 arson dog teams from across 17 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 Canadian provinces, recently participated in a training and recertification program in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The dogs are specially trained to detect trace amounts of flammable liquids at fire scenes, helping solve arson crimes.
The event was hosted by the State Fire Marshall’s Office, which maintains 4 accelerant detection canine teams. Three of the dogs were provided through the
State Farm Arson Dog Program.
The arson dog teams and their handlers performed live demonstrations of their drills, detecting ignitable liquid substances like gasoline, kerosene, and lighter fluid at a simulated fire scene.
Arson and arson-related fraud are two of the most expensive property claims for insurers in America, with billions of dollars in damage inflicted each year. Aside from the property damage involved in crimes of arson, there is also the potential for loss of life—hundreds of people perish in arson-related cases annually.
According to estimates by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the property/casualty insurance industry loses more than $30 billion a year to insurance fraud, much of that involving arson. These losses, on average, add $200 to $300 annually to homeowner insurance premiums.
State Farm started the Arson Dog Program in 1993, and has since provided funding and support for more than 350 dog and handler teams in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and 3 Canadian provinces.
