Meet Timber, Orange County's only fire accelerant detection K-9

Orange County authorities Tuesday introduced a dream squad that can sniff out suspicious fires and help with arson investigations: K-9 accelerant detection team.

Timber, a 16-month-old yellow Labrador, and his handler Capt. Shaun Miller with the Orange County Fire Authority are one of the four K-8 accelerant detection teams in California and only one in Orange County.

Accelerate detection K-9s are specially trained to spot chemicals, such as gasoline and lighter fluid, while searching fire scenes efficiently to pinpoint the origins of fires.

Timber’s specialty is detecting ignitable liquids, including diesel fuel, even if a small amount is left at a fire scene.

“Even after the place is burned or the car is burned or whatever that object is, there’s still some remnants that the K-9s can detect, so that’s what we do,” Miller explained.

The duo was trained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which means Timber and his handler can respond to any fire scene nationally, Miller said.

Timber and his handler Cpt. Shaun Miller pose for a picture.

While the Lab has a playful and compassionate side, it’s no fun and games for Timber when it comes to training.

“We do a lot of training. We train everyday,” Miller said. “We are either training or on calls.”

The K-9 doesn’t eat out of a food bowl like other dogs as Miller uses food to train the pup.

“He’s got to find something, and he gets rewarded with his food. All of his meals come that way,” the captain explained.

Born on Sep. 3, 2024, Timber has never been in a normal household setting, Miller said, as the dog was raised inside a New York prison by inmates through a program called Puppies Behind Bars.

“The inmates do the puppy raising, help with socialization, and some basic obedience. They do a fantastic job,” Miller said, adding that Timber already came to him “very well trained.”

Of course, there are some perks in working with an adorable dog, according to the fire captain.

“When you’re kind of having that stressful day or that rough day, he definitely has the ability to pop his head up there and remind you that everything’s okay, and life’s going to be good,” Miller said. “We have a lot of fun.”