Self-testing fire sensing device for confirming a fire

A method of operating a self-testing fire sensing device, comprising:

• measuring a quantity of any dust or smoke particles in an optical scatter chamber prior to activating a fan of the self-testing fire sensing device;
• comparing the measured quantity to a previously measured quantity of particles in the optical scatter chamber;
• activating the fan to remove any dust or smoke particles from the optical scatter chamber responsive to the measured quantity being greater than the previously measured quantity of particles;
• deactivating the fan;
• measuring a quantity of smoke particles in the optical scatter chamber responsive to deactivating the fan;
• comparing the quantity of smoke particles measured responsive to deactivating the fan to the previously measured quantity of particles;
• reporting a confirmed fire responsive to the quantity of smoke particles measured responsive to deactivating the fan being equal to or greater than the previously measured quantity of particles;
• and
• reporting a false alarm responsive to the quantity of smoke particles measured responsive to deactivating the fan being less than the previously measured quantity of particles.

A fire control system, comprising:

• a self-testing fire sensing device configured to:
• measure a quantity of any dust or smoke particles in an optical scatter chamber of the self-testing fire sensing device prior to activating a fan of the self-testing fire sensing device;
• compare the measured quantity to a baseline quantity;
• and
• transmit a report of an unconfirmed fire responsive to the measured quantity;
• and
• a control panel configured to:
• receive the report of the unconfirmed fire;
• and
• transmit a command to the self-testing fire sensing device to activate the fan of the self-testing fire sensing device responsive to receiving the report of the unconfirmed fire.