Sniffer dog Dex, who was given whole-hearted approval by the West Yorkshire Fire Service yesterday, could be rented out to other fire services.
The three-year-old labrador, whose main duty is to sniff out fire accelerants like petrol or paraffin where arson is suspected, has impressed his bosses so much on his nine-month trial that he will become a full-time fixture.
Dex, looked after and trained by sub-officer Chris Clarke, who lives in Bradford, has been called out to fire investigations across the county 50 times.
The firedog will also be taken into schools as part of an ongoing fire safety campaign.
Dex will now be a permanent member of staff at the community fire safety department, following a decision at yesterday's West Yorkshire Fire Authority committee meeting.
Member Councillor Tony Niland said: "I welcome this dog - it has been a brilliant success . And children react to animals well. If he prevents just one arson, it will have helped."
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