K-9 To Track Arsonists For Forestry Commission

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama Forestry Commission has
welcomed a new member to its law enforcement team - a 12-week-old
bloodhound puppy that will be trained to help wildfire arson
investigators.
The commission said Thursday it recently purchased the pup,
named Blaze, to reduce the number of arson cases in the state.
During the past four years, 42 percent of all wildfires have been
declared arson-related.
State Forester Linda Casey says she believes starting a
bloodhound program will increase the commission's effectiveness in
finding woods arsonists. Blaze and his handler will begin training
at the National Police Bloodhound Association's winter event in
South Carolina this December. He is expected begin work for the
commission within six to eight months.
Blaze will also help locate lost or missing persons and in
education programs for children.