Watch Duty App Tops Charts For Real-Time Wildfire Monitoring

• Watch Duty app tracks wildfires and provides live updates.

• Top-ranked app in Apple store for wildfire monitoring.

• Interactive map displays real-time wildfire spread.

A home burns in the Franklin Fire in Malibu wildfire

AP

As wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, a free mobile app and web browser called Watch Duty is providing crucial real-time monitoring of the unfolding scene. Watch Duty, a non-profit organization, has quickly gained popularity for its ability to track the spread of wildfires across the US and deliver live updates on local fire damage, evacuations, emergency warnings, and firefighting efforts.

The Watch Duty app, available for both iOS and Android devices, has surged to the top of the charts this week. It has claimed the No. 1 spot among free apps in the Apple store and currently holds the No. 22 position in the Google Play store as of Thursday morning.

One of the key features of the Watch Duty app and web browser is its interactive digital map that visually showcases the development of wildfires, providing users with location-specific updates in real-time.

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Top-ranked app in Apple store for wildfire monitoring.

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Watch Duty app tracks wildfires and provides live updates.

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Interactive map displays real-time wildfire spread.

Launched in 2021, Watch Duty is powered by a dedicated team of over 150 volunteers who are either active or retired first responders, dispatchers, paramedics, and reporters. These volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that the app remains up-to-date and accurate in its reporting.

Watch Duty's operational efficiency is further enhanced by the use of sophisticated software and bots that continuously scan the internet 24 hours a day. These tools help identify new fire starts by aggregating data from various publicly available sources, allowing Watch Duty to promptly alert its users and provide timely information.

With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive wildfire tracking capabilities, Watch Duty has proven to be an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to stay informed about the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area and beyond. The app's rapid ascent to the top of the charts underscores the critical role it plays in keeping communities informed and safe during times of crisis.