Brief: Watch Duty is a free wildfire mapping and alert app that provides real-time information vetted by trained professionals, not robots. It is powered by over 60 volunteers – firefighters, dispatchers, and first responders – who diligently monitor radio scanners and other official sources 24 hours a day.

Updates:

• New features:
  • Custom alert zones: Users can now create custom alert zones to receive notifications for wildfires within a specific area.
  • Improved map: The map has been improved to include more detailed information about wildfires, such as perimeter, containment status, and evacuation orders.
  • New weather layer: The app now includes a new weather layer that shows current and forecasted weather conditions, which can help users to make informed decisions about their safety.
• Bug fixes:
  • The app has been updated to fix a number of bugs, including crashes and issues with notifications.

Features:

• Real-time wildfire maps: The app provides real-time wildfire maps that show the location, size, and containment status of wildfires throughout the United States.
• Personalized wildfire alerts: Users can create personalized wildfire alerts to receive notifications when a wildfire is detected within a certain distance of their location.
• Evacuation information: The app provides information about evacuation orders and warnings, as well as evacuation shelters.
• Wildfire news and information: The app provides news and information about wildfires, including fire behavior, fire safety tips, and resources for those affected by wildfires.

Pros:

• Accurate and up-to-date information: The app provides accurate and up-to-date information about wildfires from trained professionals.
• Personalized alerts: Users can create personalized wildfire alerts to receive notifications when a wildfire is detected within a certain distance of their location.
• Free to use: The app is free to download and use.

Cons:

• Limited availability: The app is currently only available in the United States.
• Battery drain: The app can drain the battery life of mobile devices, especially if it is used for extended periods of time.

Conclusion:

The Watch Duty app is a valuable tool for anyone living in or near areas that are at risk of wildfires. It provides accurate and up-to-date information about wildfires, as well as personalized alerts, so that users can stay safe and informed.

Additional information:

• The Watch Duty app is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• The app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
• The app has been downloaded over 1 million times.
• The app has a rating of 4.8 stars on the App Store and 4.7 stars on Google Play.

Recommendations:

• If you live in or near an area that is at risk of wildfires, I recommend downloading the Watch Duty app.
• Create personalized wildfire alerts for your location.
• Use the app to stay informed about the latest wildfire activity in your area.
• Follow the instructions of local officials during a wildfire.