Do I need FireArrest™ if I  have smoke detectors? FireArrest™ is an advanced-technology smoke alarm that installs easily in minutes by the homeowner and is combined with a 24-hour monitoring service.  To achieve a similar level of protection, you would have to hire a professional security dealer to install a more expensive, wired system. A fire may smolder for hours before bursting into flames, but once flames appear, it may take only minutes for it to engulf the entire room.  The technology used by FireArrest™ is the most effective available for detecting the smoke from a smoldering fire.  FireArrest™ may detect a smoldering fire up to an hour before other type alarms.