Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality: What Homeowners and Businesses Need to Know
June 23, 2025 | Written by Erin McCafferty
As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, many regions across the U.S. are experiencing hazy skies and declining air quality. Whether the source is nearby or hundreds of miles away, wildfire smoke can drift into communities and impact both indoor and outdoor environments.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can be harmful to human health. Even short-term exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and lead to more serious issues for individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. As air quality alerts become more frequent, it’s important to take precautions to protect both your space and the people in it.
How Homeowners Can Improve Indoor Air Quality
Your home should be a place of safety and comfort. Here are some proactive steps to help maintain air quality during smoke events:
Close windows and doors
Keep outdoor air from entering your home, especially during air quality alerts.
Run your HVAC system on recirculate
Avoid pulling in outdoor air by switching your system to recirculation mode. Be sure to use clean, high-efficiency filters (such as HEPA filters) to trap fine particles.
Use air purifiers
Place portable air purifiers in high-use rooms like bedrooms or living spaces. These can help reduce indoor smoke particles significantly.
Skip the candles and frying pans
Avoid activities that can increase indoor pollution, such as burning candles, using gas stoves excessively, or smoking indoors.
Keep an eye on the air quality
Check your local air quality index (AQI) through trusted sources like AirNow.gov or local weather alerts.
For Business Owners: Protecting Your Team
Wildfire smoke isn’t just a residential concern—it can affect your workforce too. If you operate a business, especially one that includes outdoor labor, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Monitor AQI levels daily
Adjust outdoor work schedules when air quality is poor. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends limiting outdoor exposure when AQI exceeds 100.
Communicate with your team
Let employees know when air quality is unsafe and share safety guidelines. Post updates in break rooms or send out daily notices when necessary.
Upgrade your building’s ventilation
Ensure your commercial HVAC system is operating with high-quality filters and consider routine inspections to maintain performance.
Consider PPE for essential outdoor work
If outdoor tasks are unavoidable, consider providing N95 respirators to reduce inhalation of fine particulate matter.
At Donegal Insurance Group®, we remain committed to helping our policyholders protect what matters most. Whether it’s your home or business, staying prepared during periods of poor air quality can make a meaningful difference. If you have questions about your coverage or risk mitigation, our team is always here to help.
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