Watch Duty is a tool that provides real-time alerts and updates about nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts. It offers features like wildfire maps, smoke monitoring, flight tracking, air quality information, fire perimeter tracking, and evacuation orders. Available for iOS, Android, and web. Run by a team of volunteers who monitor official sources for updates.
Features
Real-time Wildfire Map & Alerts
Receive notifications about the status and conditions on the ground as they change.
Monitor Wildfires and Prescribed Burns
Know if smoke in the distance is a fire you need to be worried about.
Flight Tracker
Monitor firefighting aircraft flight paths in real-time.
Air Quality & Wind Direction
See everything that impacts fires in one place.
Consolidated Information
Find fire warnings and power outages all in one place.
Track Active Fire Perimeters
Using satellite imagery and other official sources you can easily track and monitor the progress of a fire.
Evacuation Orders & Shelters
Find clear and concise evacuation notices, as well as shelters for people and animals all in one place.
Submit Photos
Help first responders and loved ones by sharing photos of fire conditions and other hazards.
Real-Time Collaboration
Watch Duty collaborates in real-time, gathering information from official sources and radio communications to provide factual updates during incidents.
Automated Monitoring System
An automated monitoring system listens to 911 dispatches and alerts the Watch Duty team via Slack, ensuring rapid response to emergencies.
Incident Reporting and Updates
Reporters monitor incidents, verify details with on-scene personnel, and notify the public through the Watch Duty app when there’s a threat to life or property. Continuous updates are provided until the situation is resolved.
Strict Code of Conduct
All reporters follow a strict code of conduct to ensure that the information shared with the public is accurate, respectful, and relevant.
Real-time Fire Monitoring
Watch Duty provides real-time information about fire incidents through its network of citizen and professional fire reporters. This ensures that users receive timely alerts and updates about fire activities in their vicinity.
Crowdsourced Reporting
The application leverages a community of trained volunteers and professionals to provide accurate and timely information about wildfires. This crowdsourced approach enhances the coverage and reliability of fire alerts.
User-Friendly Interface
Watch Duty features a user-friendly interface that allows for easy navigation and access to real-time fire updates. Users can quickly see the status of fires, locations, and other critical details.
Real-time Alerts
Provides real-time alerts for nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts using verified sources and first responders.
Crowdsourced Reporting
Utilizes a network of dedicated firefighters, dispatchers, and first responders to report on wildfires and related activities.
Accurate Information Dissemination
Focuses on delivering only accurate and verified information, avoiding exaggeration to maintain trust with the community.
Privacy Focused
Minimizes data collection to avoid unnecessary fears or concerns, ensuring that the service is safe for users.
Community & First Responder Trust
Maintains a strong code of conduct to establish trust among community members and first responders.
Emergency Alert Notifications
Sends real-time emergency alerts and updates for fire incidents to help people stay informed and safe.
Incident Information Reports
Provides detailed information about incidents, including maps and relevant instructions, to support emergency response and situational awareness.
Fire Fighting Flight Tracker
Monitors firefighting aircraft flight paths in real-time, helping keep track of aerial fire fighting efforts.
Alerts for Home and 4 Counties
Provides notifications about fire status and conditions on the ground as they change, offering real-time updates for designated areas.
Save More Places
Allows users to quickly locate and monitor places that matter most, offering personalized tracking of important locations.
Alerts for up to 4 Counties
Receive notifications and alerts for emergencies affecting up to four specified counties.
Fire Perimeters
Access information on the boundaries and extents of active fires, helping you visualize affected areas.
Hot Spots (VIIRS & MODIS)
View satellite-detected hot spots using data from VIIRS and MODIS, indicating potential fire starts or heat sources.
Red Flag Warnings
Get notified about red flag warnings, which signal weather conditions that could lead to wildfires.
Surface Wind Direction
Understand current wind directions on the surface, which can impact fire spread and behavior.
Power Outages (CA Only)
Keep track of power outages specific to California, important for both safety and planning.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
Monitor the air quality index to stay informed about pollution levels that may affect health.
Fire Fighting Flight Tracker
Track aircraft engaged in firefighting operations to stay informed about resource deployment.
More Saved Places
Increased capacity to save more custom locations for monitoring and alerts.
Public Land Ownership & Responsibility
Gain insights on the ownership and responsibility areas of public lands, aiding in emergency planning.
Pre-planned Evacuation Zone Map
Access maps detailing pre-planned evacuation zones for specific areas.
Radio Repeats (CA Only)
Listen in on radio repeaters in California to follow real-time communications during emergencies.
Locations with Channels
Explore specified locations with corresponding communication channels for detailed monitoring.
Critical Infrastructure
View critical infrastructure that may be affected during emergencies, important for strategic planning.
Utility Service Territory
Learn about utility service territories which might experience disruptions.
Historical and Inactive Fires
Research historical and currently inactive fire events to understand past incidents and recovery.
Map Tools: Distance, Prop Drop, Lot & Icon
Utilize map tools for measuring distances, property drops, and customizing visual icons.
Import Custom GIS Layers
Upload and use custom Geographic Information System layers for tailored mapping and analysis.
User Management
Manage users and permissions effectively within the team or organization.
Consolidated Billing
Simplified billing solutions for teams or organizational use, ideally for efficient financial management.
API Access (add-on)
Optional add-on access to the Incident API for integrating data workflows with existing systems.