Like all areas of the country, arson is a major issue in Northamptonshire and the Service is striving to reduce the number of deliberate fires and reduce fire deaths. Millie and her handler Ian, play an important role in deterring would be fire setters by providing a high profile response to fire scenes where the cause is not easily determined, or it is suspected that ignitable liquids have been used to accelerate the rate of the fire development.

Working closely with Northamptonshire’s Police, Millie and handler have attended many serious fires including those that have resulted in a high financial loss and fatalities. On many occasions Millie has successfully detected minute traces of ignitable liquid that would not have been detected by other means. This evidence has been used in several high profile successful court cases.

Millie is a four year old black Labrador and has been qualified since she was only 11 months. Millie is owned by her handler who was the main driving force in setting up Northamptonshire’s search team. To Millie, work is all about having fun. She has excellent drive and determination and yet she is very good natured and is always eager to please. Millie has recently had 10 puppies and Ian is hoping that at least one of the pups with go on to become a top search dog.