An operator-directed system for suppressing fire within a remote, outdoor, industrial installation has: (a) a means for capturing at a prescribed frequency video images of the remote area, (b) a means of transmitting these images to the operator's location which is some distance from the remote location, (c) a means, adapted to utilize these transmitted images, for detecting fire within the remote area, (d) a means located at the remote location for discharging a fire suppressant over the area, and (e) a means, located at the operator's location and utilizing the transmitted images, for allowing the operator to control the flow and direction of the discharging of the fire suppressant in the remote area.