Sat Sep 21 11:43:27 UTC 2024: ## Wildfire App Gains Popularity Amidst Rising Threats in Western States

**Los Angeles, CA** – As wildfire season intensifies across the Western United States, a new app called Watch Duty is gaining traction for its ability to provide real-time information and updates on active fires. The app, which has become one of the most downloaded free apps in the country, draws information from various sources, including official agency websites, wilderness live cams, and radio chatter from first responders.

“We built an application that we don’t want you to have to use,” stated John Mills, Watch Duty co-founder and CEO. “We live in the woods. People are going to die. This has to get launched tomorrow, right?” Mills’ urgency stemmed from experiencing the devastating Walbridge Fire in 2020, which fueled his mission to create a fast and reliable source of information for those in wildfire-prone areas.

Watch Duty’s unique feature is its reliance on a team of volunteers, primarily former firefighters, radio scanners, and journalists, who listen in on first responder radio frequencies. This allows the app to provide up-to-the-minute details on fire locations, evacuation orders, shelter locations, and other critical information.

Karen Hancock, Public Information Officer for the Sonoma County Fire District, praised the app’s effectiveness, stating that it “has definitely filled a gap” in communication during emergencies. She highlighted the difficulty of providing timely updates through traditional channels like websites and social media, particularly during the heat of an event.

However, not everyone is completely sold on the app’s reliance on unofficial sources. CalFire, California’s state wildfire agency, advises users to consult their website for verified information, expressing concerns about relying on unverified sources. While acknowledging the potential risks, Watch Duty creator John Mills encourages users to subscribe to Nixle Alerts in addition to using the app, emphasizing his preference for a fire-free summer over the app’s popularity.

Watch Duty remains a valuable tool for many residents in wildfire-prone areas, offering a user-friendly and readily accessible platform for critical information in a time of need.

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