Abstract: A fire detecting and extinguishing apparatus comprises a plurality of detectors mounted above the areas to be protected, a centrally arranged receiver to pick up electric signals or a different frequency from each detector an emitter to which the signals are fed and which diseminates further signals of differing frequencies, and switches each tuned to one of the frequencies of the further signals to receive the further signals from the emitter and solenoids energized by the switches, a platform actuated by each solenoid, a pressurized cylinder, and a valve on the cylinder onto which operates when a weight falls to release a powder or mist from the cylinder to blanket the fire.