Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for preventing ignition and fire in maintained hypoxic environments. In one aspect of the present invention, the hypoxic environment is initially obtained via an initial release of large quantities of nitrogen and is thereafter maintained via use of nitrogen generation equipment, thereby eliminating the need for onsite nitrogen storage. In other aspects of the present invention, the hypoxic environment is initially obtained via the same equipment used to maintain the hypoxic environment. Additionally, venting is provided to prevent over-pressurization of the hypoxic environment or to otherwise regulate the pressure of the environment. Furthermore, ultra-sophisticated fire detection system is implemented to detect invisible by-product materials as they degrade during pre-combustion stages of an incipient fire, thereby detecting a fire as early as six hours prior to ignition.