Final answer:
Fire detectors are engineered to operate independently, allowing for a rapid and localized response to fires. They utilize solid-state radiation detectors to convert radiation into an electrical current, which is critical for pinpointing the exact location of a fire and permits the use of specialized foams to extinguish large-scale fires.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fire detectors are designed to react quickly and independently of one another so that only those detectors in the affected area activate. These detectors are typically solid-state radiation detectors, which are semiconductors fabricated to directly convert incident radiation into electrical current. This characteristic allows each detector to operate independently when exposed to heat or smoke, ensuring a swift and localized response to a fire. The technology behind these detectors is crucial for safety, enabling quicker reaction times and reducing the spread of fire by alerting authorities to the exact location of the fire. Moreover, when dealing with fires of organic liquids, a fluorinated solution can be employed. This solution spreads across the burning surface to effectively extinguish the fire, which is an example of how specific fire fighting foams are universally used to combat large-scale fires.