Watch Duty (Wildfire)

Wildfire Maps & Alerts

Watch Duty (Wildfire)

App stats

Version: 2024.11.19 (Last updated: 2024-11-21)
Creation date: 2021-08-03
Permissions
Location: approximate location (network-based), precise location (GPS and network-based)
Photos/Media/Files: read the contents of your USB storage, modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
Storage: read the contents of your USB storage, modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
Other:
  • receive data from Internet
  • view network connections
  • full network access
  • run at startup
  • prevent device from sleeping

Other platforms

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App summary

Watch Duty is the only wildfire mapping and alert app powered by real people giving you real-time information vetted by trained professionals, not robots. While many other apps rely solely on government alerts, which can often be delayed, Watch Duty provides up-to-the-minute, life-saving information through a dedicated team of active and retired firefighters, dispatchers, first responders, and reporters who monitor radio scanners around the clock. We aim to keep you informed and safe with real-time updates and alerts.

Wildfire Tracking Features:

- Push notifications about nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts
- Real-time updates as conditions change
- Active fire perimeters and progress
- Infrared satellite hotspots from VIIRS and MODIS
- Wind speed and direction
- Evacuation orders & shelter information
- Historical wildfire perimeters
- Street and satellite maps
- Air attack and air tanker flight tracker
- Save locations for quick access on the map

Watch Duty is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our service will always remain free of charge and free of advertising or sponsorship. You can support our mission with a $25/year membership, which grants access to special features as a token of our appreciation.

Disclaimer: Watch Duty is not affiliated with any government agency. The information provided in this app is sourced from publicly available and trusted sources, including but not limited to government agencies, radio transmissions, and satellite data. Specific government sources include:

- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (VIIRS, MODIS)
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
- California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)

For more information or support, feel free to contact us at support.watchduty.org.

Privacy Policy: https://www.watchduty.org/legal/privacy-policy

User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Google Play Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Provides real-time notifications and updates about wildfires from various authorities.
  • User-friendly interface that is not overly complicated.
  • Useful features like maps, evacuation information, and location tracking.
  • Great for keeping informed during fire emergencies, especially in fire-prone areas.
Cons
  • Frequent crashes and instability on certain devices after updates.
  • Limited functionality regarding notifications for specific areas, leading to over-notification in large counties.
  • Issues with map accuracy and clarity, especially in differentiating various warning levels.
  • Some users reported that essential features have been removed in updates, impacting usability.
Most mentioned
  • Crashing and instability issues following updates.
  • Real-time notifications and comprehensive coverage of wildfire incidents.
  • User interface and ease of use.
  • Need for improved notification customization and better map features.
User reviews
I really like knowing what is happening in the areas around me, Watch Duty provides that. We have fires each year that surround the area, it is great to know what areas to avoid, and if friends and family are out of harms way. The app works great, it is not invasive, and it is not over complicated, simply a good reliable app!
by Kate Sijer, 2024-10-26

Was a great app until it started crashing on me. I even paid the $25 to be able to save multiple locations, but now every time I open it it crashes in seconds, even though I've uninstalled and reinstalled it multiple times. At first that helped but now it does not. :( What set off the crashing was tuning on the lawyers, but now it won't stay open long enough for me to turn them off.
by Meagan Fischer, 2024-10-25

This is a wonderful app & I really like it. I've used it for about 2 mos. now & it shows up-to-date & complete info about how to access services, evacuation, animal shelters, evacuation centers, etc. where to get additional info as to meetings, if you want to attend. This app is essential especially when I live in areas prone to fires. I will eventually become a member because I really appreciate all that they do in keeping us up-to-date w/current info. I feel safe having this app.
by Jolene Sias, 2024-10-05
View all user reviews

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