Abstract: The apparatus comprises a motor driven centrifugal pump having a suction line extending to a source of water which is located at a level below the pump. The discharge line of the pump extends to the area to be sprinkled in the event of fire. A sight glass is provided at a remote location and has a vacuum line extending from the lower portion thereof to the interior of the pump. A vacuum pump is connected to the upper portion of the sight glass for creating a vacuum within the sight glass, when actuated, so that a vacuum is created in the vacuum line extending from the sight glass to the pump so that water will be drawn from the source of water upwardly to the pump and thence to the sight glass. When a sufficient water level has been reached within the sight glass, the motor operating the centrifugal pump is energized so that water will be discharged onto the area experiencing the fire. The vacuum pump is controlled by means of an alarm system located in the area to be protected.