The automatic sprinkler and fire alarm system shall be designated to extinguish a fire in its early stages by the use of water and simultaneously sounding an alarm to summon help. Pipe work fitted with sprinklers at regular intervals is connected to a reliable water supply. Each sprinkler is an automatic heat sensitive valve, which opens independently in the event of fire to discharge water on to the seat of the outbreak. Only the sprinkler or sprinklers affected by fire operate, and the opening of any one sprinkler immediately sounds an alarm.