What is the primary purpose of a fire detection system?

The primary purpose of a fire detection system is to identify the presence of fire and promptly alert crew members. This rapid detection is crucial in mitigating the effects of a fire, as it allows for quick response actions to be taken, such as evacuation or activating fire suppression systems. The earlier a fire is detected, the better the chances of controlling it before it escalates into a more serious situation.

While some systems may include components that monitor temperature changes, the critical function is still to detect flames or smoke, triggering alarms to inform crew members. This immediate alert system is vital for the safety and preparedness of everyone onboard. Other systems that might extinguish fires automatically or provide feedback to the captain are typically part of a broader fire safety strategy, but they do not serve the primary role of detection and alerting.