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Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality Action Days: A Small Business Operational Guide

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When wildfire smoke or elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) triggers official Air Quality Action Days across Pennsylvania, residents are advised to limit outdoor activity. For small business owners, however, these alerts also raise practical operational questions: How do you protect outdoor crews, maintain healthy indoor environments, and help prevent further local air pollution during a smoke event?

Understanding air quality starts with data and monitoring science. Behind every public forecast is a continuous stream of environmental measurement and atmospheric transport modeling. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Air Quality operates a sophisticated statewide Ambient Air Monitoring Network — including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Air Monitoring System (COPAMS) — with dozens of automated monitoring stations strategically located throughout Pennsylvania’s air basins and communities.

Equipped with high-precision sensors, these stations continuously track weather patterns and measure airborne pollutants like ozone and fine particulate matter down to parts-per-billion levels. When wildfire smoke drifts across the Commonwealth, this sensor network, coupled with advanced air dispersion modeling, allows state regulators and atmospheric scientists to track smoke plumes in real time and issue timely Air Quality Action Days.

As regional or statewide Code Orange, Red, or Purple air quality alerts are declared, small businesses can use this real-time data to make informed operational decisions.

1. Track Real-Time Local Conditions with AirNow

Before scheduling high-exertion outdoor work or adjusting facility operations, consult localized air quality tools fed directly by state and federal monitoring sensors:

  • AirNow.gov: Jointly operated by the EPA and state air monitoring divisions (including PA DEP), AirNow provides color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts based on continuous sensor data for ground-level ozone and fine particulates (PM2.5).

  • AirNow Fire and Smoke Map: For hyper-local smoke tracking, this interactive tool overlays official PA DEP monitoring sensors with satellite data and low-cost local air sensors to display real-time smoke plumes and ground-level pollution movement.

2. Protect Outdoor and On-Site Workers

During Code Orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) or Code Red/Purple (unhealthy for all) alerts, physical exertion outdoors increases exposure to inhaled particulate matter. Small businesses with outdoor operations — such as landscaping, construction, logistics, and roofing — should consider:

  • Task Adjustments: Postpone heavy physical labor or shift demanding tasks to days with lower predicted particulate levels.

  • Frequent Rest Breaks: Provide shaded or indoor break areas with filtered air and encourage regular hydration.

  • Respiratory Protection: Supply voluntary-use N95 respirators for employees who must perform essential work outdoors during severe smoke events.

3. Maintain Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor workplaces are not automatically immune to outdoor smoke. Fine particles can easily enter facilities through building ventilation intakes, loading docks, and doorways.

  • Upgrade Filtration: Inspect facility HVAC systems and upgrade to MERV 13 filters (or the highest rating compatible with your system) to effectively capture microscopic smoke particles.

  • Adjust Air Intakes: Temporarily set HVAC units to recirculate indoor air during peak smoke hours rather than drawing in unfiltered outdoor air.

4. Voluntary Steps to Reduce Local Emissions

During official Air Quality Action Days, the PA DEP encourages small businesses to voluntarily minimize operations that generate additional fine particulates or ozone precursors, helping prevent localized air stagnation:

  • Limit Fuel-Burning Machinery: Postpone non-essential use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, heavy diesel machinery, or open burning operations.

  • Optimize Fleet Travel: Consolidate delivery routes and enforce strict anti-idling policies for company vehicles.

  • Reschedule High-Emission Tasks: Where schedules permit, pause non-essential incineration, dust-generating manufacturing, or high-VOC solvent usage until air quality returns to Code Yellow or Green.

Need Environmental Compliance Support?

Whether you need help evaluating facility emissions, navigating DEP air permitting requirements, or understanding air monitoring standards, you don’t have to figure it out alone. EMAP provides Pennsylvania small businesses with free, confidential technical assistance.

Jeremy Hancher

Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC.  He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management.  He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.