How Watch Duty’s wildfire tracking app became a crucial lifeline for LA

Watch Duty, a free nonprofit app, provides real-time wildfire information to over a million users, primarily in Los Angeles. Unlike typical apps, it prioritizes accuracy and speed over user engagement or advertising. Its simplicity and ease of use, maintained by volunteers and paid staff, have proven vital during recent devastating wildfires. Founded after the 2020 Walbridge fire, it addresses the fragmented and often delayed information from government sources. The app offers crucial, timely alerts within a minute, contrasting with government systems experiencing delays of up to 15 minutes. Watch Duty utilizes a reliable tech stack including Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services, ensuring nearly 100% uptime. Information is meticulously vetted, avoiding speculation and prioritizing safety. Funding comes from donations and memberships, with no plans for user data collection or paid versions. Potential policy changes under a new administration could impact data access, but Watch Duty plans to adapt by purchasing necessary information. The app's widespread adoption and minimal support requests demonstrate its effectiveness. Expansion across the US and into other emergency services is underway.