Advanced oxygen reduction fire prevention for automated cold storage facilities
FirePASS Group has successfully completed the installation, testing and commissioning of an FP-5000 Twin Oxygen Reduction Fire Prevention System at a 45,000 m³ automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) cold storage warehouse in Estonia.
The project demonstrates the application of FirePASS® oxygen reduction technology in a large-scale automated warehouse environment, where protecting valuable inventory, critical automation equipment and operational continuity is essential.
Unlike conventional fire suppression systems that respond after ignition, FirePASS® is designed to prevent fires from starting by maintaining a precisely controlled, oxygen-reduced atmosphere.
This preventive approach offers significant advantages for automated warehouses and temperature-controlled storage facilities, where even a relatively small fire can cause extensive damage and operational disruption.
Project overview: 45,000 m³ ASRS cold storage warehouse
The completed project in Estonia includes the installation of an FP-5000 Twin Oxygen Reduction System designed to protect a cold storage warehouse with a volume of approximately 45,000 m³.
Project at a glance
- Location: Estonia
- Application: Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) cold storage warehouse
- Protected volume: 45,000 m³
- Installed system: FirePASS® FP-5000 Twin
- Technology: Oxygen Reduction Fire Prevention
- Project status: Installation, testing and commissioning successfully completed
- Completion date: 4 March 2026
The project highlights the suitability of engineered oxygen reduction technology for large automated storage environments requiring continuous fire prevention.
Fire protection challenges in automated cold storage warehouses
Automated cold storage warehouses present unique challenges when it comes to fire protection.
These facilities often combine high-density storage, automated material handling equipment, conveyor systems and temperature-controlled environments. The concentration of stored goods and the complexity of automated operations can make fire incidents particularly disruptive.
Traditional fire suppression solutions may also introduce additional considerations in cold storage environments, including water discharge, freezing conditions and potential damage to stored products or sensitive automation equipment.
For operators of automated storage facilities, effective fire protection must address several important priorities:
- Protecting valuable stored goods and inventory
- Safeguarding automated storage and retrieval equipment
- Reducing the risk of fire-related operational downtime
- Maintaining the integrity of temperature-controlled environments
- Supporting business continuity and supply chain reliability
FirePASS® oxygen reduction technology provides an alternative approach by focusing on preventing ignition rather than extinguishing a fire after it has started.
How the FirePASS® FP-5000 Twin Oxygen Reduction System works
The FirePASS® FP-5000 Twin is an oxygen reduction system designed to establish and maintain a controlled, low-oxygen atmosphere within a protected environment.
Under normal conditions, atmospheric air contains approximately 20.9% oxygen. FirePASS® technology reduces the oxygen concentration to a carefully engineered setpoint based on the protected materials, operational requirements and applicable safety standards.
By reducing oxygen availability, the system creates conditions designed to prevent ignition of relevant combustible materials under specified conditions.
Continuous oxygen monitoring and atmospheric regulation are essential elements of the fire prevention process.
Unlike conventional fire suppression systems, which activate after a fire has been detected, oxygen reduction technology maintains preventive conditions during normal operation.
This approach is particularly relevant for automated warehouses, where fire prevention can help protect both stored goods and the infrastructure required to keep operations running.
Key benefits of oxygen reduction for cold storage warehouses
Continuous fire prevention
FirePASS® maintains a controlled oxygen-reduced atmosphere, helping prevent ignition before a damaging fire can develop under the specified design conditions.
No water discharge
The oxygen reduction process does not require sprinkler activation or water discharge to provide its preventive function. This is especially valuable in cold storage environments where water-based suppression can present additional operational challenges.
Protection of automated warehouse systems
ASRS facilities depend on sophisticated automation, including storage cranes, conveyors, sensors and control systems. Preventing fire helps reduce the risk of damage to this critical infrastructure.
Reduced risk of operational disruption
Fire incidents can lead to inventory losses, equipment damage and prolonged interruptions. Continuous fire prevention helps reduce the likelihood of such incidents and supports operational continuity.
Protection of valuable inventory
Cold storage warehouses frequently contain temperature-sensitive goods that depend on uninterrupted environmental control. Preventing fire-related damage helps protect stored products and the systems responsible for maintaining storage conditions.
No extinguishing-agent discharge
FirePASS® does not depend on releasing chemical extinguishing agents into the protected warehouse as part of its normal fire prevention operation.
Why oxygen reduction is particularly relevant for ASRS warehouses
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems are increasingly used in modern logistics and cold chain operations to maximize storage capacity and improve efficiency.
These facilities can contain densely packed inventory, high storage racks and sophisticated automated handling systems. Their design and operation create specific challenges for conventional fire protection strategies.
Oxygen reduction technology provides a preventive approach by maintaining a controlled atmosphere throughout the designated protected space.
For ASRS operators, the objective is not only to protect stored goods but also to safeguard the automated infrastructure that supports daily operations.
The completed FirePASS® project in Estonia demonstrates how an FP-5000 Twin Oxygen Reduction System can be implemented in a large automated cold storage facility.
Successful installation, testing and commissioning
FirePASS Group successfully completed the installation of the FP-5000 Twin Oxygen Reduction System, followed by system testing and commissioning.
These activities represent important milestones in delivering an engineered fire prevention solution.
Commissioning is intended to verify that the installed equipment and associated monitoring and control functions operate in accordance with the applicable project requirements.
The successful completion of this project marks another application of FirePASS® oxygen reduction technology in automated warehouse fire prevention.
More than fire suppression: preventing fire before it starts
Conventional fire suppression systems are designed to control or extinguish a fire after ignition has occurred.
FirePASS® takes a fundamentally different approach.
By continuously maintaining an oxygen-reduced atmosphere, FirePASS® is designed to prevent ignition under the defined operating conditions, reducing reliance on reactive fire suppression as the primary means of protection.
For large automated warehouses, this distinction is particularly important. Even a small fire can affect inventory, automated equipment and the continuity of logistics operations.
Preventing ignition helps address these risks before a fire incident can develop.
Fire prevention solutions for automated warehouses and cold storage
The successful completion of the 45,000 m³ ASRS cold storage project in Estonia demonstrates the practical application of FirePASS® oxygen reduction technology in modern automated logistics environments.
FirePASS® solutions can be considered for a range of storage and logistics applications, including:
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
- High-bay warehouses
- Cold storage and refrigerated warehouses
- High-density storage facilities
- Automated logistics and distribution centers
- Temperature-controlled storage environments
Each application requires an individually engineered fire prevention strategy based on its specific fire risks, storage conditions and operational requirements.
Protecting warehouse operations before fire starts
As automated warehousing and cold chain logistics continue to evolve, protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining operational reliability remain essential priorities.
The completed FirePASS® FP-5000 Twin installation in Estonia illustrates the role of oxygen reduction technology in protecting large automated storage environments.
By focusing on prevention rather than suppression, FirePASS® helps organizations protect valuable assets, reduce fire-related risks and support business continuity.
FirePASS® — Preventing fire before damage begins.
Looking for a continuous, water-free fire prevention solution for your automated warehouse or cold storage facility?
Discover how FirePASS® oxygen reduction technology can help protect inventory, automation systems and critical warehouse operations.
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