A preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1) is provided for a sprinkler pipework (24) and sprinklers with a fire detection and extinguishing control panel (26). A water supply (38 and an air feed (37) are selectively in communication with the sprinkler pipework. A pilot control chamber (19) of the preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1) is depressurized in case of a fault message from the fire detection and extinguishing control panel (26). When the pilot control chamber (19) is depressurized and, in the case of a decreasing pressure in the sprinkler pipework (24), a quick opener (40) opens the valve head (2) of the preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1), so that extinguishing water can flow into the dry pipework (24). The system allows very short flooding times for the sprinkler pipework with no additional rapid vents installed in the pipework.