Introduction. The analysis of existing methods for determining the estimated time of fire detection by means of fire automatics allows us to conclude that it is advisable to use a more differentiated approach. Within the framework of this article, the assumption about the influence of the distance from the burning plane of the fire seat to the level of installation of fire detectors (to the sensitive elements of point smoke fire detectors) on the estimated time of fire detection was carried out. In particular, such an effect can be observed during a fire involving the burning of furniture, shelving, etc., i.e. in cases where the above distance is potentially shortened. Goals and objectives. The aim of the work is to study the influence of the distance from the burning plane of the fire seat to the level of installation of fire detectors (to the sensitive elements of point smoke detectors) on the estimated time of fire detection. Research methods. To assess the influence of the distance from the burning plane of the fire seat to the level of installation of fire detectors (to the sensitive elements of point smoke fire detectors) on the estimated time of fire detection, computer simulation methods were used using the Fire Dynamics Simulator software package. Results and its discussion. The results of modeling the dynamics of the optical density of smoke in a room at various distances from the burning plane of the fire seat to the level of installation of fire detectors (to the sensitive elements of point smoke fire detectors) are presented. The distance varied in the range from 0.25 to 2.75 m. Conclusions. It has been established that the distance from the burning plane of the fire source to the level of installation of fire detectors (to the sensitive elements of point smoke detectors) does not have a significant effect on the estimated time of fire detection. The difference in the values of the estimated fire detection time for different values of the distance from the burning plane of the fire source to the level of installation of fire detectors and the value obtained on the basis of the existing method for determining the time of the start of evacuation may indicate an unreliable assessment of the total time of the start of evacuation and incorrect conclusions about safe evacuation people and/or the likelihood of people evacuating. To correctly take into account the time of the beginning of the evacuation, further study of this issue and comparison of its "technical" component, obtained by calculation methods, with the results of field experiments is required. Keywords: fire safety, fire protection, fire detection time, fire alarm, evacuation probability, smoke optical density, evacuation time, evacuation start time, fire risk.