During the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, a nonprofit app called Watch Duty has gained significant traction, providing real-time wildfire information and critical safety updates to Californians.
Watch Duty , a nonprofit-run app that tracks wildfires with live maps and alerts, has become extremely popular as California n residents face catastrophic blazes. The app, launched in 2021 and now available in 22 states, provides evacuation warnings, real-time text, photo, and video updates, and a map interface with flame icons indicating active fire zones. Users can access information on evacuation routes, shelter locations, and firefighting efforts.
Powered by around 200 volunteers, including retired and active firefighters, dispatchers, and first responders, Watch Duty gathers wildfire information from official government reports, volunteer reporters, and 911 dispatch calls. This community-driven network allows the app to offer more real-time data than government-reliant services like CalFire and InciWeb. The app's popularity has surged, with active users increasing to 7.2 million by December 2024 from 1.9 million in 2023. As the LA fires rage, Californians are sharing the app as a vital resource. Watch Duty's vice president of operations, Nick Russell, emphasizes the app's commitment to quality information and its free access for essential features, distinguishing it from those profiting from disaster
Natural Disasters California Emergency Services Watch Duty Wildfires California LA Fires Emergency App Disaster Relief Fire Safety Technology
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Watch Duty App Offers Lifeline Amid Devastating California WildfiresA free, non-profit app called Watch Duty is providing critical information to Los Angeles residents affected by the ongoing wildfires. The app offers real-time updates on fire locations, firefighting efforts, and safety recommendations, powered by a team of volunteers and staff with expertise in emergency response.
Read more »
Wildfire App Watch Duty Combats Information Overload During EmergenciesAs climate change fuels longer wildfire seasons, a new app called Watch Duty aims to simplify access to crucial information. Co-founder John Mills, inspired by his own experience with a devastating wildfire, created the app to consolidate data from various sources like emergency notifications, social media, and official websites, providing users with a centralized platform for wildfire updates.
Read more »
Watch Duty App Creator Says He’ll Never Pull an OpenAIGizmodo spoke with the creator of the app that provides vital alerts about evacuations.
Read more »
Watch Duty App Becomes Lifeline for Californians During WildfiresTens of thousands of Californians are relying on the Watch Duty app for real-time wildfire updates during a devastating fire season. The app, which combines official data with crowdsourced information, has surpassed major social media apps in downloads.
Read more »
Watch Duty App Provides Real-Time Wildfire Tracking Amidst California FiresAmidst devastating wildfires in California, the non-profit app Watch Duty is proving invaluable. The app offers real-time updates on wildfire locations, evacuation zones, and safety tips, providing crucial information to those affected by the disaster.
Read more »
Crypto Markets Add $200B Daily as Bitcoin Soars Past $100K: Recovery Market WatchCrypto Blog
Read more »