Patent attributes
A system for detecting and extinguishing fires occurring within a predetermined observation area in response to commands received from a monitoring center. The system includes a source of fire retardant liquid and a monitor for selectively directing liquid to the observation area. A valve is disposed in fluid communication between the source and the monitor and is selectively movable between a closed position wherein liquid is prevented from flowing through the valve, and an open position wherein liquid can flow through the valve. An infrared camera generates a signal in response to temperature changes occurring in the observation area. A network switch is provided for communicating with the monitoring center. A control unit in communication with the valve, the camera, and the network switch relays the signal to the monitoring center and moves the valve between the positions in response to commands received from the monitoring center.