Fire suppression with oxygen reduction systems

Fire suppression is a critical aspect of facility management, especially in environments where combustible materials such as paper, textiles, or chemicals are handled. As companies increasingly turn to automation and seek to enhance safety, they’re adopting advanced fire suppression systems that go beyond traditional water sprinklers to control and extinguish incipient fires.

In this post, we break down the concept of fire suppression using oxygen reduction systems — an effective prevention and extinguishing method for facilities with flammable products. We’ll explain how it works, when it’s recommended, and how it’s implemented in logistics operations.

What is fire suppression through oxygen reduction?

This type of fire suppression system targets oxygen — an essential element for a fire to spread. Unlike other methods that remove heat or fuel, this technique decreases the oxygen concentration in the environment to levels at which combustion can no longer be sustained.

From a technical standpoint, oxygen reduction should not be confused with fuel removal. Fire suppression through oxygen reduction acts exclusively on the oxidizer (oxygen), not on the combustible materials themselves.

How oxygen reduction systems suppress fire

Solid fuel fires — also known as Class A fires — involve combustible materials like wood, paper, cardboard, plastic, and textiles. Oxygen reduction systems extinguish them by lowering the oxygen concentration in the air. Oxygen is one of the three elements of the fire triangle (fuel, an oxidizing agent, and heat). It isn’t necessary to eliminate oxygen completely; by decreasing its level past the point needed for combustion, the fire can be put out without using water.

When to use an oxygen reduction system

Fire suppression with oxygen reduction systems is especially well-suited for facilities where water sprinklers are not an option. A case in point is an environment where water could damage stored products or affect the building’s structure.

Fire suppression through oxygen reduction is commonly used in:

• Warehouses storing paper, cardboard, or other combustible cellulose-based materials.
• Rooms with electronic products sensitive to moisture.
• Cleanrooms or controlled-atmosphere environments.
• Automated warehouses with machinery that could be damaged by water.

A practical example of this technology can be seen in Interlake Mecalux’s projects for automated warehouses handling flammable materials (such as paper products). These facilities integrate fire suppression systems based on controlled oxygen reduction, ensuring safety without compromising product integrity.

Implementing an oxygen reduction system in a warehouse

Installing an oxygen reduction solution for fire suppression in a warehouse involves several key steps to guarantee system effectiveness and facility safety:

1. Airtight space design. To keep oxygen levels below the combustion threshold and prevent fire from spreading, each zone or area must be sealed.
2. Detection and control systems. Oxygen sensors and smoke detectors are installed to continuously monitor warehouse conditions. These are connected to a control system that tracks environmental data and activates the oxygen reduction process when it detects a fire or dangerously high oxygen levels.
3. Controlled injection of inert gases. The system uses inert gases, such as nitrogen or argon, to displace oxygen and stop combustion. Gas injection is precisely controlled to lower oxygen concentration quickly and safely, in conditions that remain compatible with both people and stored equipment.
4. Integration with other safety systems. The oxygen reduction system should work in conjunction with alarms, early detection devices (like optical or aspirating smoke detectors), and thermal cameras for a coordinated response. Depending on the type and risk level of the stored materials, the system can be complemented by automatic sprinklers or foam suppression solutions.
5. Regulatory compliance and certification. The installation must comply with current regulations. To ensure system reliability and safety, it must be installed and maintained by certified companies and trained professionals.

Benefits of an oxygen reduction system in a warehouse

Oxygen reduction systems offer a range of advantages over traditional fire suppression methods:

• Active prevention. By maintaining low oxygen levels in the environment, the system significantly reduces the risk of ignition, acting as a preventive measure — not just a reactive one.
• Protection of sensitive products and equipment. Ideal for warehouses storing materials that could be damaged by water or chemical agents, oxygen reduction leaves no residue or corrosion, preserving the integrity of stored goods and equipment.
• Minimal collateral damage. Since no water or solid residues are used, secondary damage and post-incident cleanup and repair costs are greatly reduced. This helps get operations back on track faster.
• Compatibility with automated warehouses. Inert gas fire suppression systems — such as those using nitrogen or CO₂ mixtures — do not interfere with robots or automated machinery, enabling continuous protection without disrupting operations.
• Employee safety. When strictly controlled, inert gases like nitrogen are safe for human presence, as they pose no toxic risk and can be used in occupied areas under certain conditions.

Fire control with minimal impact

Oxygen reduction is an effective solution for extinguishing fires in facilities where conventional methods (e.g., water or foam) aren’t viable, and protecting goods and equipment is a priority. This approach minimizes damage and ensures a rapid response without compromising the integrity of stored materials. As a specialist in intralogistics solutions, Interlake Mecalux incorporates oxygen reduction systems into projects where traditional suppression methods fall short.