Case Study: William J. Clinton Presidential Center achieves early fire detection to protect priceless archives with Xtralis VESDA

William J. Clinton Presidential Center - William J. Clinton Presidential Center

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Library in Little Rock houses irreplaceable presidential archives and memorabilia stored in three vault‑like records rooms. The challenge was to protect these sensitive documents from fire and, crucially, from sprinkler water damage by detecting a fire at the earliest incipient stage while remaining unobtrusive to visitors and researchers.

Xtralis’ VESDA VLS aspirating smoke detection system was installed — two detectors monitoring eight zones with 68 sampling points via CPVC piping and validated with ASPIRE modeling. Built‑in features like AutoLearn and Referencing minimize nuisance alarms and the accessible design reduces maintenance costs. The system provides rapid, discreet alerts to security so staff can address a fire source before smoke damages collections or sprinklers discharge, delivering proven protection and strong customer satisfaction.

William J. Clinton Presidential Center

Scott Lacey

Fire Protection Engineer