Meet Torch: League City’s New Four-Legged Fire Investigator

LEAGUE CITY, Texas — There is a new member of League City’s public-safety team — and he works for treats.

Torch, a German Shepherd trained to detect ignitable liquids at fire scenes, has joined the League City Fire Marshal’s Office.

What Does an Accelerant Detection Dog Do?

After a suspicious fire, investigators are tasked with determining where the fire started and what caused it.

Torch is trained to search a fire scene for the presence of ignitable liquid accelerants — substances that may have been used to intentionally start or spread a fire.

His ability to pinpoint areas of interest can help investigators decide where samples should be collected and sent for laboratory analysis.

The dog can also help investigators rule out the presence of accelerants, which can be equally useful when determining whether a fire was accidental or potentially intentional.

Three Weeks of Specialized Training

Torch recently completed an intensive three-week training program with his handler, Deputy Stringer, at Pacesetter K9 in Liberty Hill.

The team was made possible through a grant from the K9s.org program, which covered specialized training for both Torch and his handler.

According to the City, Torch originally came from Poland before beginning his work in Texas.

Another Tool for Fire Investigators

Fire investigations can depend on small physical details that are difficult to locate in a damaged building or debris field.

A properly trained accelerant-detection K9 can search large areas rapidly and direct investigators toward locations that merit a closer look.

Torch’s arrival gives League City’s Fire Marshal’s Office that specialized capability locally.

Residents may also see Torch and Deputy Stringer at community events around League City in the months ahead.