A fire protection system for industrial warehouses and factories is generally categorized into two main components: the external fire protection system and the internal fire protection system.

External Fire Protection System

The external fire protection system refers to infrastructure outside the warehouse or factory, typically integrated into the industrial zone's technical infrastructure. This includes fire hydrants, fire water tanks, fire pumps, and internal roads designed to accommodate firefighting vehicles.

According to Article 10 of Decree 136/2020/NĐ-CP, urban planning and industrial zone development must meet fire protection requirements, ensuring:

• Proper land zoning to prevent fire spread and minimize risks from heat, smoke, and toxic gases affecting surrounding areas.
• Adequate road access and open spaces to accommodate firefighting vehicles and emergency response.
• Reliable water supply, communication networks, and electricity infrastructure to support firefighting operations.
• Dedicated space for fire stations within industrial zones, following planning regulations.
• Sufficient budget allocation for fire protection measures in project planning.

Industrial zones must also be equipped with essential outdoor firefighting equipment, including fire hydrants, water supply connections for fire trucks, fire extinguishers, hose reels, and emergency fire equipment boxes. Additionally, fire trucks and personal protective equipment, such as self-contained breathing apparatus, should be available for fire emergencies.

Internal Fire Protection System

The internal fire protection system consists of fire detection and fire suppression systems, commonly found in industrial zones. The three most widely used systems include:

1. Fire alarm system
2. Wall-mounted fire hose system
3. Automatic sprinkler system

1. Fire Alarm System

A fire alarm system detects fires at an early stage and alerts employees and firefighting teams. The most common system used in industrial zones is the automatic fire alarm system, which consists of three main components:

• Fire alarm control panel: Includes batteries, power supply, and processing circuits.
• Input devices: Emergency push buttons and fire detectors.
• Output devices: Alarm lights, sirens, and auxiliary display panels.

2. Wall-Mounted Fire Hose System

The wall-mounted fire hose system consists of water pipelines and equipment installed along walls, emergency staircases, and elevator corridors. This system operates using high-pressure water supply pumps, connected to wall hydrants. In case of a fire, opening the shut-off valve releases high-pressure water immediately. If pressure drops, the water pumps automatically activate to maintain the water supply.

Key components of a wall-mounted fire hose system include:

• Backup fire pumps, electric-powered pumps, and pressure booster pumps.
• Control panels for electric-powered fire pumps.
• High-pressure tanks, pressure gauges, and pressure switches.
• Flow regulators and alarm valves.
• Shut-off valves, intake/discharge valves, and check valves.
• Water pipelines for fire suppression.
• Wall-mounted hydrants for fire hose connections.

System operation:

• Under normal conditions, pressure in the pipelines is maintained by an automatic control system.
• If pressure drops, the booster pump activates to maintain water supply.
• If pressure suddenly drops due to fire sprinkler activation, the main fire pump starts and sends signals to the alarm system to notify the fire response team.

3. Automatic Sprinkler System

The automatic sprinkler system operates 24/7, with closed sprinkler heads that release water when exposed to high temperatures. The system activates only in specific areas affected by fire, providing localized suppression.

Key components of an automatic sprinkler system include:

• Control panel: Receives signals from pressure switches, flow sensors, and fire alarm systems. It controls fire pumps and other firefighting equipment.
• Sprinkler heads: Equipped with heat-sensitive bulbs that break upon reaching a set temperature, allowing water to discharge.
• Fire pumps: Activate when a sprinkler head is triggered.
• Valves, flow sensors, and pressure switches: Transmit signals to the control panel when the system activates.
• Main and branch pipelines: Supply water to sprinkler heads.
• Supporting accessories: Mounting brackets, sprinkler covers, and pressure maintenance tanks.

System operation:

• The system maintains a constant pressure level using a booster pump.
• Over time, small water leaks occur due to valve connections. When pressure drops below a set level, the booster pump activates to compensate for the water loss.
• If a sprinkler head is activated, the pressure drops suddenly, triggering the main fire pump to start, supplying water while also sending an alert to the fire alarm system.

4. Smoke Extraction System

The smoke extraction system is designed to remove smoke from corridors, stairwells, and emergency exits. It consists of several components, each with specific functions:

• Exhaust fans: Installed on rooftops to extract smoke.
• Duct system: Vertical ducts that transport smoke outside, connected to exhaust fans.
• Smoke intake vents: Installed in corridors, drawing smoke into the extraction system.
• Fire dampers and one-way air valves: Control airflow and ensure smoke moves in the intended direction.
• Power supply cabinet: Ensures stable electricity for exhaust fans.
• Control panel: Manages the operation of the smoke extraction system, with manual ON/OFF controls for fire dampers at each floor.

Ensuring Fire Safety Compliance in Industrial Zones

Fire safety in warehouses and industrial zones is a top priority for investors—not only to protect people and assets but also to create a safe and attractive environment for investment. Currently, most construction projects cannot obtain final approval for operation unless they comply with fire protection regulations.

By implementing comprehensive fire prevention measures, businesses can ensure regulatory compliance, minimize risks, and provide a safer working environment for employees and investors.