Watch dutyAn app to track wildfires, with live maps and alerts, became the No. 1 free app in Apple's App Store as of Wednesday morning. Fire-tracking app outperforms ChatGPT app.
Watch Duty has been around since 2021 and says it's used by firefighters and first responders across the western United States.
The Watch Duty app gathers information about active wildfires from a network of active and retired firefighters, first responders, government reports and volunteer reporters who monitor radio scanners around the clock. While other fire-tracking apps rely only on government alerts, Watch Duty claims to have more real-time information. However, it is important to note that the app is not a replacement for official information.
Downloading the app will show you fires in your immediate area and alert you to nearby fires, evacuation warnings and firefighting efforts.
You can also use the app to check in other areas, which can be especially helpful if you have a loved one in Southern California.
The fire-tracking app topped the charts Wednesday morning as more than 70,000 people around Los Angeles County faced evacuation orders from the Palisades Fire near Santa Monica and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena. At the time of writing, the Associated Press reported that The fire destroyed more than 1,000 structures and killed at least two people. As the wildfire continued to rage, a severe storm battered the area, with winds reaching 100 mph.
“Friends in LA: Download the Watch Duty app to track fires in real time,” said Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen. Tweet Tuesday “This is the official wildfire app used by California firefighters for very granular real-time updates, video feeds and evacuation maps.”
John Mills, founder and CEO of the app, said this information The Washington Post Earlier this year he began watch duty after moving to a fire-prone area in Northern California.