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Fire detection in a microgravity environment produces a number of concerns. On Earth, smoke particles generated by a fire are often used to trigger an alarm signal. In space, without the thermal buoyancy effects produced by gravity, smoke particle movement is more random, making its detection more difficult. This problem presents itself to the module outfitters who are designing a fire detection system for the Space Station. The volumes behind the racks, referred to as exo-rack areas, are particularly difficult to monitor because they are hidden from view by closeout panels. Still, the exo-rack areas must be monitored because they contain wiring and electrical equipment that presents a potential fire hazard. A strategy for detecting fires in the Space Station exo-rack area has been developed by the McDonnell Douglas Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) team. The system uses piccolo tubes to collect samples of air from the exo-rack areas in the node.