Avon Fire & Rescue Service took delivery of it's Fire Investigation Dog Unit in May of 2003 and went on the "run" in August of that year. Following an intensive eight week course run by SCS International in Lancashire handler Ken Bennett and Black Labrador "Cracker" joined Avon's team of Fire Investigators. "Kilo" an English Springer Spaniel who was also trained by Dave Peplow of SCS International joined Avon's F.I. Dog Unit following his successful Certification in January 2004. This is carried out annually at the Fire Service College, Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire. Having two dogs as part of the team allows the handler flexibility in deciding which dog to utilise for different scenarios.

Small fire scenes lend themselves more to the smaller spaniel whilst larger fire scenes are ideally suited to the larger Black Labrador. It also increases the time that can be spent searching. A search lasting between 15 and 20 minutes is mentally very demanding of the dogs and after this time they are withdrawn from the scene and allowed to rest, if a second dog is available they can take up the search were the first dog left off.

Following every operational incident the dogs are given a full health check by the handler to ensure there are no cuts or scratches, they are also groomed and cleaned to ensure they do not carry any contaminated materials to the next incident. The unit is currently seconded to the Avon & Somerset Arson Task Force and in conjunction with the Cornwall Unit provide cover for the South West of England.