Watch Duty: Wildfire Maps

Watch Duty: Wildfire Maps

Download on App Store
Spark by MWM logo
Logo of Watch Duty: Wildfire Maps

Watch Duty: Real-Time Wildfire Alerts Vetted by Humans, Not Robots

Protect your home and family with life-saving wildfire intelligence from retired firefighters and dispatchers. Get instant notifications, active fire perimeters, and evacuation updates before official channels.

Publisher

Sherwood Forestry Service, Inc.

Category

News

Downloads

4M+

User Rating

4.9/5

Total Ratings

35K+

Locales

5

Real-Time Field Insight

Discover the interface used by 4M+ users.

Watch Duty app interface showing a real-time wildfire tracking map with fire icons and flight paths across the Western United States.

Watch Duty app interface showing a real-time wildfire tracking map with fire icons and flight paths across the Western United States.

Watch Duty app screen showing an active wildfire perimeter and real-time flight tracking on a map

Watch Duty app screen showing an active wildfire perimeter and real-time flight tracking on a map

Watch Duty app map interface showing wind direction and air quality data across California

Watch Duty app map interface showing wind direction and air quality data across California

Real time wildfire flight tracker on the Watch Duty app showing active fire perimeter and air tanker path.

Real time wildfire flight tracker on the Watch Duty app showing active fire perimeter and air tanker path.

Smartphone showing a wildfire photo and real-time hazard status update in the Watch Duty app

Smartphone showing a wildfire photo and real-time hazard status update in the Watch Duty app

Real-Time Protection When Every Minute Counts

The tools that make this app stand out, trusted by 4M+ users.

📢

Human-Vetted Real-Time Alerts

Skip the bureaucratic delay. Our team of retired firefighters and dispatchers monitor radio scanners 24/7 to send you life-saving updates minutes before official government channels.

🗺️

Interactive Fire Perimeter Maps

Track active fire boundaries, satellite hotspots, and air tanker flight paths on high-precision maps. See exactly where the threat is in relation to your property.

🚨

Critical Evacuation & Wind Data

Receive instant notifications for evacuation orders and shelter locations, paired with real-time wind speed and direction to help you predict fire movement and act with confidence.

Loved by users worldwide

Trusted by 4M+ people who love this app.

"

"Living in a high-risk fire zone, I used to stay up all night during fire season checking social media and hoping for news. Watch Duty changed everything. I received an alert about a nearby brush fire 20 minutes before any official government notification. That extra time allowed me to safely load my pets and get prepared without the panic. The map-centric view and infrared hotspots provide a level of clarity that is truly life-saving."

Sarah Jenkins, Homeowner in Northern California
"

"This app is an absolute game-changer for anyone living in the West. The air tanker flight tracking and real-time radio scanner vetting from actual professionals make this the most reliable tool in my kit. It is rare to find a service this high-quality that remains a non-profit and ad-free. It provides the technical data I need, like wind direction and fire perimeters, in an interface that is fast and intuitive. Every resident in a WUI area needs this."

David Miller, Rural Resident and Volunteer

About the app

Everything you need to know about Watch Duty: Wildfire Maps.

Description

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. For more information or support, feel free to contact us at support.watchduty.org. Privacy Policy: https://www.watchduty.org/legal/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Latest Version

2025.12.19

Size

70.2 MB

First Released

Aug 10, 2021

Don't Wait for the Official Alert—Seconds Matter

Join over 4 million residents who trust Watch Duty for human-vetted, life-saving wildfire updates. Protect your home and family with real-time information you can trust, delivered by experts, not robots.

Download on App Store
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Watch Duty: Wildfire Maps

What is Watch Duty?

Watch Duty is a wildfire mapping and alert app that provides real-time, vetted information from trained professionals like firefighters, dispatchers, and first responders, who monitor radio scanners around the clock.

Is the Watch Duty app free to use?

Yes, Watch Duty is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and its service is always free of charge and free of advertising or sponsorship.

How does Watch Duty gather wildfire information?

Watch Duty gathers information from a dedicated team of active and retired first responders, dispatchers, and reporters monitoring radio scanners. It also sources from publicly available and trusted sources, including satellite data.

Does Watch Duty provide real-time wildfire alerts and updates?

Yes, Watch Duty provides up-to-the-minute, life-saving information through push notifications about nearby wildfires and real-time updates as conditions change.

What wildfire tracking features does Watch Duty offer?

Watch Duty features push notifications, real-time updates, active fire perimeters, infrared satellite hotspots, wind speed and direction, evacuation orders, and an air attack flight tracker.

Can Watch Duty track air attack and air tanker flights?

Yes, Watch Duty provides an air attack and air tanker flight tracker. Users can see flight details for specific aircraft, as shown in the app's real-time interface.

Does Watch Duty provide information on evacuation orders?

Yes, Watch Duty includes information regarding evacuation orders and shelter information for affected areas. This is a core feature of the application.

Is Watch Duty affiliated with any government agencies?

No, Watch Duty is explicitly not affiliated with any government agency. The app's information comes from publicly available and trusted sources.

How can I support the Watch Duty non-profit mission?

You can support the Watch Duty mission with a $25/year membership. This membership grants access to special features as a token of appreciation for your contribution.

Does Watch Duty display wind speed and direction data?

Yes, the Watch Duty app provides information on wind speed and direction. This data assists users in understanding fire behavior and potential spread.

Where can I find Watch Duty's privacy policy?

The privacy policy for Watch Duty is available at the provided URL: https://www.watchduty.org/legal/privacy-policy. This ensures transparency regarding data handling.

Does Watch Duty show active fire perimeters?

Yes, Watch Duty displays active fire perimeters and progress. This allows users to visualize the current extent and status of wildfires.