Application Offered at No Cost, Operated by a Charity Organization, Could Provide Crucial Assistance During Future Wildfires in San Francisco Bay Area
Watch Duty: Your Essential Wildfire Tracking App
Watch Duty is a non-profit wildfire tracking app that has become a vital resource for millions of users across 22 western states. With over 7 million active users, this 501(c)(3) organisation offers a real-time wildfire mapping and alert service, powered by a dedicated team of firefighters, dispatchers, first responders, and reporters who monitor radio scanners around the clock.
The app's primary goal is to keep users informed and safe during wildfire events. It provides push notifications about nearby fires, firefighting efforts, live updates on fire perimeter progress, infrared satellite hotspot data, wind information, evacuation orders, shelter locations, and tracking of air attack and air tanker flights. Users can view detailed, interactive maps with street and satellite views, save locations, and access historical wildfire perimeters.
During significant wildfire events, Watch Duty truly shines. It was a key resource during the unprecedented 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, serving as the go-to digital platform for real-time fire tracking and updates. The app collects information directly from dispatch centres, first responders, official sources, and media reports to provide comprehensive, up-to-the-minute wildfire intelligence in an interactive and accessible format.
One of the standout features of Watch Duty is its speed. Volunteers are able to flag a grass fire minutes after the first 911 call. The app is also ad-free, providing a clean, user-friendly experience without the distractions of ads and popups that are common in many alerting apps.
If you reside in the Bay Area, Watch Duty is an app you should consider for your safety. The Diablo winds that fuelled the 2017 North Bay Firestorm still howl each fall, and PG&E's planned shut-offs don't always align with where the next spark lands. With Watch Duty, you can check the app if you smell smoke to see if there's a fire near you.
The free tier of Watch Duty allows users to pick up to four counties, set custom pins, and receive hyper-local alerts. For those seeking more extensive coverage, an optional paid membership provides unlimited counties, saved locations, and a live firefighting-aircraft tracker.
You can download Watch Duty from any phone app store by searching for "Watch Duty". The app takes less than a minute to download. Additionally, there is a download page available on the Watch Duty website. For news and updates on events, restaurant openings, local breaking news, small business spotlights, and crime reports in Walnut Creek, Lamorinda, Danville, Concord, and the Tri-Valley, consider subscribing to 925 News, a free newsletter provided by their website.
Technology can be a lifesaver during general-news events such as wildfires. Watch Duty, a non-profit wildfire tracking app, provides real-time wildfire mapping, alerts, and updates, making it an essential tool for millions of users in 22 western states. For sports enthusiasts who reside in the Bay Area, staying informed about potential wildfire threats can be just as important as knowing the latest scores.
