Like LA Fires Burn, the Watch Duty App offers timely information on wildfire conditions

See DutyThe wildfire watch service has become a critical resource in 22 states Residents of Los Angeles are facing catastrophic wildfires.

Software and website operated by a non-profit organization collects real-time dispatch data and alerts for vets saw through a group of staff and about 200 volunteers 600,000 user growth Wildfires started in Los Angeles County in a 24-hour period last week. per week since the fires startedtens of thousands of structures were destroyed and more than 100,000 people were displaced, with at least 24 dead.

In addition to providing searchable maps and wildfire location alerts, Watch Duty provides air quality and wind direction information and evacuation information and shelter resources, and sends alerts when fires threaten life or property. Launching in 2021, the service’s volunteers include retired and active firefighters and dispatchers who help validate information from fire cameras, satellites, radio scanners, announcements from police and fire services, user-submitted photos and tips.

Last week, Watch Duty, as it were, neared the top of Apple’s App Store download charts several times in the past during other forest fires. It remains in the top 10 there and in the Google Play store as well this week.

The nonprofit’s CEO, John Clark Mills, an app entrepreneur who launched the Watch Duty app after a close call with a wildfire near his home in Northern California, said the app’s success is “bittersweet.” He wrote on LinkedIn this week: “Most days I absolutely love what I do, I’m truly honored to serve and so grateful for the privilege to do so. This is not one of those days.”

“The amount of devastation I’ve witnessed in less than 24 hours is really hard to take in. It’s the worst I’ve seen since I took this job and it’s not even close to over.” Mills wrote last week.

On Tuesday, a week after the flames started, the Palisades fire is expanding contains only 17%and according to The New York Times, Eaton fire 35%.

Los Angeles Times informed Watch Duty has collected $2 million in membership fees, $600,000 in donations and $3 million in grants. It provides additional features, such as a firefighting aircraft tracker, with annual memberships starting at $25. It was Watch Duty from mid-December More than 7.2 million active users.

The application has been discussed and recommended by users, including on social media ESPN’s Mina Kimes, Signal President Meredith Whittaker and CBS News Correspondent Jonathan Viglotti.