An intelligent fire alarm system is designed to provide more efficient detection and prevention. Each intelligent device (smoke detector, heat detector, manual pull station, etc.) has its own unique “address.” If an intelligent device is transferred to an “alarm” state, it activates the fire horns and strobes. When the local fire department arrives, the control panel displays the specific device and area in which the activation occurred. (A conventional zone panel only identifies the general area of an activated device.)