Wildfires leave more than visible destruction in their wake. They create persistent indoor air quality (IAQ) challenges, introducing airborne chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine particulate matter (PM), smoke odors, and mold that can linger long after extinguishing flames. Addressing these issues thoroughly requires a multi-pronged approach combining correct filtration, ventilation, and advanced air and surface cleaning.
This guide explores proven strategies for restoring the air in homes and businesses after wildfires, emphasizing the importance of air filtration, ventilation, and integrating innovative air cleaning systems.
The Impact of Wildfires on Indoor Air Quality
Wildfires introduce a complex mix of pollutants into indoor spaces, including:
- Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny airborne particles, including soot, ash, and other combustion byproducts, that can penetrate the respiratory system, posing significant health risks. Common PM types include PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less) and PM2.5 (fine particles of 2.5 microns or less).
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Harmful chemicals released from burning vegetation and building materials can off-gas for weeks or months, degrade IAQ, and aggravate health problems over time.
- Persistent Odors: Lingering smoke odors that render spaces uncomfortable or uninhabitable and result in a loss of productivity in the workplace or schools. Odors also penetrate building materials such as furniture, carpet, drywall, and other porous materials.
- Mold Growth: Triggered by water used in firefighting or climates with high humidity, mold exacerbates IAQ issues, including common mold allergies, and can cause structural damage if not properly managed.
Effective restoration strategies should address these pollutants comprehensively.
Strategies for IAQ Restoration After Wildfires
1. Filtration
Air filtration is the cornerstone of post-wildfire IAQ restoration. High-efficiency filters are critical for capturing particulate matter and reducing airborne pollutants.
- HVAC Filters: Filters can capture particles as small as 2.5 microns, including soot and ash. These filters are essential for reducing exposure to fine particulate matter. Look for filters with a MERV13 rating, as recommended by the EPA.
- Activated Carbon Filters: Adding activated carbon filters is effective for helping adsorb some VOCs and odors, improving the overall air quality.
2. Ventilation Strategies
Effective ventilation strategies are critical for mitigating outdoor air intake and protecting indoor air quality (IAQ) when outdoor air is contaminated with smoke. In residential settings, temporarily closing or sealing fresh air intake vents can prevent smoke from infiltrating the home. In commercial buildings, ventilation systems should be adjusted to limit outdoor air intake, such as reducing the percentage of fresh air exchanges through HVAC systems. Additional measures, like pressurizing indoor spaces and ensuring proper sealing of doors and windows, can further minimize the entry of polluted outdoor air. Refer to your system’s manual and consult your HVAC expert when necessary.
3. Advanced Air Cleaning

CARB-certified IDU in-duct units for residential or commercial use.
Advanced air cleaning systems go beyond traditional filtration and ventilation strategies to actively neutralize pollutants:
- Hydroxyl Generators: Hydroxyl generators, with the correct concentrations like Pyure’s, decompose VOCs, odors, and other pollutants directly in the air and on surfaces in the living areas at the molecular level, progressively turning them into harmless byproducts like water and carbon dioxide. Look for evidence of efficacy in a hydroxyl generator, such as Pyure’s published peer-reviewed study.
- Integration into home and commercial HVAC Systems: Some air cleaning systems can be part of an ongoing clean air strategy. Pyure’s CARB-certified units can seamlessly integrate into HVAC systems, providing continuous air purification and ensuring stringent air quality standards compliance. When installed in the HVAC, they become part of an ongoing prevention strategy, which helps during wildfires and keeps occupants protected from VOCs, odors, and pathogens year-round.
4. Consider IAQ Monitoring
IAQ monitoring can help you understand more about air quality than standard air quality measurements provide. IAQ monitors installed inside your home or business can help you see the levels of VOCs released from burnt vegetation and building materials in your space, as well as CO2, PM levels, and more. Since VOCs continue to be released even after the smoke smell has dissipated, an IAQ monitor is a powerful tool to help you see what can’t be seen but may be affecting the health of building occupants. For commercial installations, Pyure offers integrated systems with IAQ monitoring and a controlled continuous feedback loop to ensure the building’s air quality is maintained to specific parameters that meet business needs and regional guidance. Contact us for more information.
Pyure’s Role in IAQ Restoration & Long-Term Indoor Air Quality
Pyure’s hydroxyl generators provide a science-backed solution for tackling VOCs, odors, mold, and pathogens. Integrating Pyure’s CARB-certified units into HVAC systems, home and building owners can achieve long-term IAQ improvements.
Benefits of Pyure Technology:

IDU air purifier installed in the ductwork of an air handling system.
- Continuous VOC Decomposition: Pyure’s hydroxyl generators break down VOCs at the molecular level, turning them into harmless byproducts like water and carbon dioxide.
- Odor Neutralization: Smoke odors are eliminated, creating a more livable environment.
- Mold Prevention: Pyure technology neutralizes mold spores, reducing the irritation of allergens and the risk of future growth.
- Contents Restoration: The contents in your space are refreshed from odors and VOCs
- Safe for Occupied Spaces: Designed for continuous operation in occupied areas, ensuring uninterrupted restoration efforts.
- Scalable Solutions: Suitable for residential and commercial spaces of all sizes, Pyure’s systems can be customized to fit specific building needs.
- Compliance and Safety: Pyure’s CARB-certified units meet stringent air quality standards, providing home and building owners peace of mind.
Our team of experts can help you select the right air-cleaning system for your space and your use case and regional regulatory requirements. Connect with us to learn more.