An optical smoke detector designed for the mining industry that includes an active sampling component and a unique air flow system to reduce the environmental impact of underground mining. The active sampling smoke detector may include an intake fan, an optical sensing unit, an air path between the intake fan and the optical sensing unit, and a controller operatively connected to the intake fan and the optical sensing unit, the controller being configured to regulate fan speed and output at least one signal indicative of air quality passing through the optical sensing unit.