Chinese state news reports that 119 people have been killed in a fire in a poultry farm in Dehui in Jilin province.Exits were reported to be locked and there were also reports of an ammonia leak. There was no mention of the presence of a sprinkler system. Ammonia is used as a refrigerant in many food-processing factories and warehouses. However, it is toxic and flammable and for this reason insurers recommend ammonia refrigeration rooms be fitting with sprinklers. Fires in warehouses can spread very rapidly, so that by the time fire-fighters arrive the fire is through the roof or weakening the structure. In these circumstances it is too dangerous for them to enter. The only solution is to fit such buildings with sprinklers.