Arson-detecting dog to be trained in Delta County

Published on November 25, 2025

ESCANABA — A new service dog is expected to soon join the ranks of working K9s in Delta County, and with a different area of expertise — arson detection.

Zachary Denome, chief of the Escanaba Township Volunteer Fire Department, began looking into the idea of obtaining an arson-detecting dog — one trained to home in on the scents of fire accelerants — several months ago, with the intention that the dog would belong to the Escanaba Township Fire Department. But it would be a big commitment and liability for the volunteer department, so instead, the plan shifted — Denome and the new dog will be an unaffiliated solo unit that can respond to fires where the causes are unknown and possibly suspicious.