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Meet Tank.
Tank is Terry Fire Investigations' certified Ignitable Liquid Detection K9. Since 2022, Matt and Tank have deployed together on residential, commercial, vehicle, and wildland fire investigations. Tank assists in locating potential ignitable liquid evidence, allowing evidence collection to be focused on areas identified during the examination while the origin and cause investigation is conducted using NFPA 921 methodology.
Tank
Certified IGL Detection K9
Matt & Tank
IGL Detection K9 Team
Certified Ignitable Liquid Detection Team
The team behind the work.
Matt and Tank work together as a certified Ignitable Liquid Detection K9 team. Tank assists with scene examinations, evidence identification, and the location of potential ignitable liquid evidence, while Matt conducts the origin and cause investigation using NFPA 921 methodology.
Every fire scene tells a story. Tank assists in identifying locations that may warrant additional examination and laboratory analysis.
- Third-PartyCertified
- 2022Deploying since
- Ignitable Liquid DetectionSpecialty
Certification
Why certification matters.
An independent third-party certification organization evaluates handler-and-K9 teams annually to verify reliability and proficiency.
Matt and Tank hold a current third-party Ignitable Liquid Detection certification, renewed annually, confirming the team has been independently tested to a recognized professional standard.
Tank's deployment is only one component of the investigation. Final opinions are based on the totality of the evidence, including scene examination, witness statements, fire dynamics, laboratory analysis, and accepted investigative methodology.
Deployment
What a K9 deployment includes.
On scene
- Joint scene examination alongside the investigation
- Systematic K9 screening of selected areas
- Evidence identification and sampling
- Documentation of K9 alerts
- Samples preserved for laboratory confirmation
What happens after an alert
- Alert location documented
- Evidence samples collected
- Samples submitted for laboratory analysis when appropriate
- Findings evaluated with scene evidence, witness information, and fire patterns
- Laboratory findings and scene evidence are evaluated together before opinions are reached
Off duty
Tank off the clock.
When he's not working fire scenes, Tank enjoys spending time with family, relaxing at the lake, riding in the boat, and making appearances at community outreach events. While he's a highly trained working dog, he's also a friendly Labrador who enjoys meeting people wherever he goes.
Tank
On the boat
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What is an Ignitable Liquid Detection K9?
A specially trained dog that can detect trace amounts of ignitable liquids at a fire scene that may not be visible during a visual examination. Tank helps focus evidence collection on areas identified during the examination.
When should you request Tank?
Consider a K9 deployment for suspicion of ignitable liquid distribution, multiple or separate areas of origin, vehicle fires, fire fatalities requiring enhanced documentation, or when laboratory confirmation may strengthen the file.
Is a K9 alert enough to prove a fire was intentionally set?
No. A K9 alert is a screening tool, not a final conclusion. Suspected samples are submitted for laboratory confirmation, and final opinions are based on the totality of the evidence, including scene examination, witness statements, fire dynamics, and laboratory analysis.
How is the K9 team certified?
An independent third-party organization evaluates the handler-and-K9 team annually to verify reliability and proficiency. Matt and Tank hold a current certification, renewed annually.
How long have Matt and Tank worked together?
Since 2022, deploying together on residential, commercial, vehicle, and wildland fire investigations.
Suspect ignitable liquid use?
Request Tank for your investigation.
(209) 605-8656For active losses or time-sensitive assignments, call directly.