Fire detection systems serve a simple purpose to spot fires early enough to allow for safe evacuation of personnel and, if possible, for a quick response to put the fire out.

Fire detection systems are designed to discover fires early in their development when time will still be available for the safe evacuation of occupants. Early detection also plays a significant role in protecting the safety of emergency response personnel. Property loss can be reduced and downtime for the operation minimized through early detection because control efforts are started while the fire is still small.