| The Hanover Township Fire Department (HTFD) recently hosted a specialized Arson Recognition and Scene Preservation training aimed at enhancing firefighters’ ability to identify potential fire causes and properly protect critical evidence during emergency incidents.
The course was led by Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit Supervisor Jamie Scarlett, who provided in-depth instruction on recognizing indicators of incendiary fires, understanding fire behavior in suspicious incidents, and the importance of maintaining scene integrity for investigative purposes.
Assisting with the training was Scranton City Fire Department Fire Inspector Dave Megotz, who brought additional expertise in fire investigation and building systems, offering real-world insights into how early observations by first-arriving crews can significantly impact the outcome of an investigation.
A unique and valuable component of the training included the use of an Ignitable Liquids Detection K9 “W’Asyk,” who demonstrated the capabilities of accelerant detection in fire scenes. Attendees observed firsthand how K9 teams are deployed to identify the presence of ignitable liquids that may not be visible to the human eye.
The training emphasized several key operational priorities: Recognizing signs of suspicious fire activity, Proper documentation and communication of observations, Maintaining chain of custody and scene control, and Avoiding unnecessary disturbance of potential evidence
The Hanover Township Fire Department extends its appreciation to the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit and Supervisor Scarlett and , the Scranton Fire Department under the direction of Chief John Judge for allowing Inspector Megotz and K9 W’Asyk for their time, expertise, and dedication to advancing fire investigation training. |
