A detection system is provided for detecting at least one hazardous condition in an enclosure including a ventilation system, where the ventilation system is capable of operating in either an on or off mode. The system includes at least one detector capable of detecting at least one level representative of the severity of the hazardous conditions within the enclosure, where each level is associated with a pre-alarm threshold and an alarm threshold that is higher than the pre-alarm threshold. The detection system also includes a controller capable of operating the ventilation system in the off or on mode when at least one level detected by the detectors is above or below the respective pre-alarm threshold, respectively. The controller is also capable of reporting the hazardous condition when the at least one level is above or below the respective alarm threshold, respectively.