Providing adequate protection for such a place can present certain challenges posed by architectural design, height and volume configurations, airflow, obstructions, evacuation plans, etc. These factors can affect smoke dilution and smoke stratification, which in turn can reduce the response rates of some smoke detectors. High ceilings can make the maintenance of conventional detectors difficult.
More importantly, conventional smoke detectors generally do not detect a fire until after the incipient stage, when heavy smoke and flaming has occurred. The landmark’s structure and precious contents are then damaged not only by smoke and flame, but also by the water or chemicals used to extinguish the fire.