Arson report still not complete

The Tennessee Bomb and Arson Unit has yet to release the findings of its investigation for last weekend’s fire on Main Street.

Special agents with that unit were in McMinnville for several days examining the scene.

The only four-legged member of that team is Nani, a Labrador retriever trained to find any trace of an accelerant. Based on what investigators have indicated, it is not believed an accelerant was found anywhere at the scene.

‘If there was an accelerant that was used, there will always be something left,’ said special agent Daniel Foster, who works exclusively with Nani. ‘The dog will hit on it. The dog will find it if it’s there.’

The state’s Bomb and Arson Unit has six dogs ‘ four trained to look for accelerants and two trained for explosives. The unit investigating last weekend’s fire is based out of Knoxville. Other offices are located in Jackson and Nashville.

Foster says gasoline is the most common accelerant used to intentionally start fires because it is our most common fuel.

‘Nobody will think anything about it if they see you riding around with a can of gasoline,’ said Foster. ‘You could be taking it home for your lawnmower.’

Foster said Labradors are the preferred breed to work with police investigators because of their obedience, work ethic, and pleasant demeanor. Because every dog is different, agent Foster works with Nani exclusively.

‘You have to know your dog and the signs your dog gives,’ said Foster. ‘That’s an important part of it.’