January 8th, 2025

Stay Safe from Wildfires When Seconds Count

Watch Duty is a nonprofit that alerts over 7 million people about wildfires, raising $5.6 million in 2024. It relies on 150 volunteers for real-time updates and support.

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Stay Safe from Wildfires When Seconds Count

Watch Duty is a nonprofit organization that provides real-time alerts and information about wildfires and firefighting efforts across fourteen states. In 2024, it reached over 7 million people and raised $5.6 million. The service offers features such as a real-time wildfire map, notifications about active fires and prescribed burns, flight tracking of firefighting aircraft, and updates on air quality and wind direction. Users can track active fire perimeters using satellite imagery and receive evacuation orders and shelter information. The organization relies on over 150 volunteers, including firefighters and dispatchers, who monitor radio scanners and official sources 24/7 to deliver timely updates. Testimonials from users highlight the service's effectiveness in reducing stress and providing reassurance during wildfire events. Watch Duty is actively seeking skilled volunteers to expand its coverage and enhance its platform.

- Watch Duty provides real-time wildfire alerts and information.

- The organization reached over 7 million people and raised $5.6 million in 2024.

- It offers features like flight tracking, air quality updates, and evacuation information.

- The service is powered by over 150 volunteers monitoring conditions 24/7.

- User testimonials emphasize the service's effectiveness in reducing stress during wildfires.

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By @hindsightbias - 4 months
Awesome app and reporters, alerts, winds, integrated with UC cam networks in CA, ADSB and FIRIS mapping. Slept much better this last summer.