Had they used halon instead of water, they would still be alive.
Halon was phased out starting 01/94. The last time I got quotes on any it was $20/lb.
Halon itself is nasty to breathe and under fire conditions makes a really nasty atmosphere.
Halon protected rooms like server rooms have a pre-alarm that gives a person 30 seconds or so to escape before the Halon releases.