NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — As part of Arson Awareness Week, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is spotlighting the crucial work of its specialized fire investigation unit — including its canine partners trained to sniff out evidence of arson.

The TBI’s special agent fire investigators, alongside dogs Diesel, Millie, and Honey, are trained to detect petroleum-based accelerants commonly used to start fires. These teams respond across the state when fires result in significant property damage or fatalities, working closely with local agencies to determine the cause, origin, and circumstances of suspicious blazes.

“Fires can be devastating and deadly,” the agency posted on social media Monday. “Our agents and K-9 teams are ready to deploy anywhere in Tennessee to assist in getting answers.”

The TBI, in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, supports statewide training and educational initiatives aimed at improving fire investigation and prevention among local and federal agencies.

Officials are urging residents to report suspicious fire activity in their communities. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017 — a 24-hour tip line. Cash rewards are available for information that leads to an arrest or conviction, thanks to support from the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Arson (TACA).

For more information or fire prevention resources, visit the TBI.

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