November 22nd, 2023 by WCBC Radio

A new K9 has joined the office of the State Fire Marshal to help detect the causes of fires in the state.  Blondie, a 4-year old Labrador mix, along with handler Master Deputy Oliver Alkire graduated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives training earlier this month.  The 12-week school trains canines to detect a variety of ignitable liquids that could be used to accelerate a fire.  Blondie and her handler will be one of six ATF-trained teams in the State of Maryland.  Blondie has also worked for Guiding Eyes for the Blind before coming to the State Fire Marshal.