Wildfire Season Has Become a Business Risk Every Facility and CRE Leader Should Plan For in 2026

Wildfire season strains buildings and people. See how facilities can prepare in 2026 to reduce costs, protect tenants, and build resilience.

Ava Montini

Mar 11, 2026

Written by

Published on

The Business Side of Smoke Days

When wildfire smoke drifts into a region, the strain on buildings is both immediate and multi-layered. Filters load faster, pushing fans to use more power just to keep airflow steady (EPA). As systems deviate, alarms trigger more frequently, and maintenance teams are pulled from planned tasks into reactive changeouts (Facility Executive). Meanwhile, vendors across the region see surging demand; parts and pads that usually arrive in days might take a week or more (NC State). That delay alone can unravel even the most rigorously planned preventive maintenance schedules.

Inside the building, occupants feel a different side of the same event. They note scratchy throats, irritated eyes, or rooms that feel stale or “heavier” when fresh air intake is reduced (AirNow). They see Air Quality Index alerts on their phones and news headlines escalating (EPA AQI). In those moments, the question is no longer just whether systems are responding, it’s: Is the building protecting me? When communication is missing or unclear, perception can trump technical measures, tipping the balance from confidence to complaints (BOMA).

Why It Matters More in 2026

The stakes are rising. Multiple studies show that during wildfire events, indoor air can reach one-third to three-quarters of outdoor particulate concentrations in buildings lacking robust mitigation (PMC). Residential buildings in fire-affected areas have shown infiltration ratios reflective of this risk (PMC). In some wildfire-impacted care environments, indoor concentrations have peaked near 200 µg/m³ (NCBI). In contrast, well-configured filtration systems often reduce that exposure to roughly 43% of outdoor levels, showing how effectively mitigation can work (NCCEH).

The human health impacts are significant. Fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) is linked to asthma flare-ups, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular stress (EPA). Sensitive populations (children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions) are most at risk (CDC). However, research also shows that even healthy adults are not immune to short-term exposure (PubMed). Harvard-led studies estimate that wildfire smoke has caused over 15,000 premature deaths in the U.S. in recent decades, with an associated economic burden of $160 billion (Harvard). For employers and property leaders, this translates into absenteeism, healthcare costs, and measurable productivity loss (National Bureau of Economic Research).

At the same time, smoke is a mechanical stressor. It accelerates filter clogging, pushes fans outside their normal operating range, and drives up energy consumption (ScienceDirect). Facility executives consistently report higher unplanned maintenance costs during wildfire season, along with shortened asset life for critical HVAC equipment (Facility Executive). Viewed at scale, these costs ripple upward into operational budgets and capital planning, making smoke days not just a maintenance issue but a financial liability.

What Smoke Events Do to Commercial HVAC Systems

Wildfire smoke can be seen as just “dirty air", but to get deeper, it is a dense mix of ultrafine particles, ash, organic compounds, and combustion byproducts that behave differently from typical urban pollution.

When these particles enter HVAC systems, three operational challenges occur simultaneously:

Rapid filter loading and front loading: Fine smoke particles quickly accumulate on the front face of filter media rather than distributing evenly through the depth of the filter. This “front loading” effect increases resistance to airflow much faster than normal particulate loading.
Fan energy increases: As pressure across the filter bank rises, fans must work harder to maintain airflow.
Airflow imbalance: Systems designed for stable pressure conditions may struggle to maintain balanced ventilation across zones.

During heavy smoke events, these mechanical effects can compound quickly. What begins as a minor filtration issue can cascade into comfort complaints, airflow deviations, and unexpected service calls.

Rethinking Preparedness

Preparedness today requires more than having spare filters in storage. Facilities that treat smoke season as part of their risk portfolio are proving more resilient. Research shows that buildings operating with lower baseline pressure drops have more headroom when smoke events occur, allowing systems to maintain airflow without tipping into alarm states (ScienceDirect). Forward-looking teams also map their most critical zones (like labs, classrooms, care units, or executive suites) and prioritize them during smoke events, an approach recommended in EPA guidance for schools and commercial buildings (EPA).

Another resilience factor is vendor readiness. Case studies after the 2020 smoke season showed that supply chain bottlenecks caused delays of days to weeks in replacing filters and components, leaving unprepared facilities exposed (NC State). Facilities that negotiated priority contracts in advance were able to maintain schedules even during regional demand surges. Similarly, using AQI forecasts and on-site PM₂.₅ sensors has been shown to improve response times; by acting early, facilities reduce exposure and minimize tenant complaints (PMC).

Wildfire readiness also intersects with broader sustainability and ESG commitments. Poor indoor air quality during smoke events undermines health-related certifications like WELL and LEED, while higher fan energy use increases a building’s carbon footprint (USGBC; IWBI). Integrating smoke resilience into ESG strategies provides measurable benefits for investors and stakeholders while demonstrating a proactive approach to tenant wellness.

Three Questions Facility Leaders Should Ask Before Smoke Season

Forward-looking facility teams increasingly treat wildfire smoke the same way they treat winter storms or heat waves: as a seasonal operational risk.

Before wildfire season begins, three questions can help identify vulnerabilities:

1. How much airflow headroom does the HVAC system have?

Buildings operating near maximum pressure limits may struggle when filters load rapidly during smoke events.

2. Are replacement filters and components secured in advance?

Regional smoke events often trigger sudden demand spikes, delaying shipments and increasing costs.

3. Are response protocols clearly defined?

Teams should know when to increase filtration, adjust outdoor air intake, and communicate with tenants.

Facilities that answer these questions early often respond faster and maintain better building performance during smoke days.

The Bottom Line

Facilities without strong preparedness can see indoor pollutant levels rise to 75% of outdoor concentrations during wildfire events, while prepared buildings cut that exposure nearly in half (NCCEH). Harvard-led analyses estimate that wildfire smoke causes tens of billions of dollars in annual economic damage, largely through absenteeism and healthcare costs (Harvard). From a mechanical standpoint, smoke accelerates filter clogging, forces fans to operate at higher energy use, and shortens asset lifespan, driving up costs across operations and capital planning (Facility Executive).

The buildings that are prepared today will reduce alarms, complaints, and unplanned expenses tomorrow, while earning the trust of the people inside. Tenants will remember which buildings felt steady, cared for, and resilient when the outside air was anything but.

How to Increase Employee Productivity at Work

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 31, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Group of coworkers sitting around a round table brainstorming — The more productive a company is, the easier it is to establish organizational growth and create a healthy work environment.

With the start of a new year, discovering how to improve employee productivity and learning to maintain it is a crucial goal for any organization. When a company is productive, it increases profitability, lowers production costs and improves customer service and business relationships. The more productive a company is, the easier it is to establish organizational growth and create a healthy work environment.

As the needs of employees have evolved significantly over time, it has become essential to cater to their needs. Below we look at five effective strategies to improve worker efficiency in your organization.

1. Effective Employee Onboarding

Employee onboarding is an essential part of any successful organization. It is the process of introducing new employees to the organization and its culture and providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources to perform their job well. Effective employee onboarding can help an organization create a productive work environment by providing new employees with the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed.

When new employees are onboarded effectively, they quickly acclimate to the organization, its culture, and their coworkers. This allows them to start quickly contributing to the organization’s success and build strong relationships with their colleagues. Effective onboarding also helps new hires understand the organization’s values, expectations, and policies, which can help foster a productive work environment.

By providing new employees with the necessary knowledge and resources to be successful, organizations can create a culture where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute. In addition, employee onboarding helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and that each team member understands their role and responsibilities. This helps create a work environment where everyone works together to achieve success.

It is essential to properly onboard employees to maximize productivity and make them feel welcome in their new work environment. To achieve this, plan the onboarding process and divide it into different phases. For example, welcome your new employees with a personalized email, provide them with the necessary gadgets and resources, and offer training during their first few days and weeks in the company. Doing so will help build a strong foundation for their journey with your organization.

2. Focus on Effective Communication

Effective communication is an essential skill for any organization to cultivate a productive work environment. Effective communication helps ensure everyone in the workplace is on the same page, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. Effective communication allows for clear and concise messages to be sent, enabling employees to understand the expectations and objectives of the organization. Additionally, effective communication will help keep employees motivated and engaged, as they will know what is expected of them and why.

Effective communication also helps to foster a positive work environment where employees feel respected and valued. When employees can understand and discuss their ideas and concerns with their coworkers and supervisors, it helps to create a sense of trust and connection. This trust and connection will help to open the door for more creative and innovative ideas, which can help the organization progress and reach new heights. Effective communication also helps reduce misunderstandings and conflicts within the workplace, allowing employees to work together in harmony.

3. Reward Employees

Rewarding employees is an effective way for an organization to cultivate a productive work environment. Rewarding employees helps to create a positive work culture, encourages engagement, and increases motivation. When employees are recognized and rewarded for their efforts, it reinforces positive behaviours and encourages them to continue to strive for excellence. When employees feel appreciated and valued for their contributions, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and invest in the organization’s future.

Rewarding employees also helps to foster a sense of loyalty and commitment to the organization. Studies have shown that when employees are rewarded for their work, they are more likely to stay with the organization for a more extended period, reducing company employee turnover.

Rewarding employees helps build trust between the organization and its employees, which is essential for creating a productive work environment. Recognizing and rewarding employees for their efforts can create a positive, productive, and collaborative work environment.

4. Increase Employee Productivity with Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for organizations to cultivate a productive work environment. However, poor air quality can lead to significant health issues for employees, such as fatigue, headaches, and respiratory problems. This can result in decreased productivity, poor morale, and increased absenteeism.

Organizations should take steps to ensure that air quality is maintained at a healthy level. This includes controlling sources of indoor air pollutants such as cleaning products, paints, furniture, and carpets. Additionally, proper ventilation is essential to ensure stale air is exchanged with fresh air. This helps to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air and also helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

They should also consider investing in air cleaning and purification systems. These systems use filters to remove airborne particles and contaminants, ensuring the air is clean and healthy. Additionally, organizations should implement policies to ensure that employees are aware of the importance of indoor air quality and take steps to reduce sources of air pollution.

By taking steps to maintain healthy indoor air quality, organizations can create a productive work environment. Employees will be healthier and have the energy and focus on being more productive. This has a positive impact on the overall success of the organization.

5. Collect Feedback

Collecting employee feedback helps an organization cultivate a productive work environment in various ways. By gathering employee feedback, organizations can gain valuable insights into how employees feel about their jobs, colleagues, and the overall work environment. This information can be used to make improvements that can help create a more positive and productive environment. For example, if employees express dissatisfaction with the physical workspace, the organization can use that feedback to make changes that can make the space more comfortable and conducive to productivity.

In addition, gathering feedback can help organizations understand how employees feel about their roles and how they are being managed. This can help managers identify areas where employees need more support or resources to be successful in their roles or if employees feel their work is not being recognized or appreciated.

Finally, collecting feedback from employees can help organizations cultivate a productive work environment by fostering a culture of open communication. When employees feel comfortable providing feedback and their concerns are heard and taken seriously, it can help create a sense of trust and belonging that can lead to increased engagement and productivity.

Happy and motivated employees are essential for any business that wants to increase productivity. Helping your employees become more productive and rewarding what your employees do on an individual level can boost personal fulfillment and productivity in the workplace.

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