Watch Duty (Wildfire)

4.7
9.84K reviews
1M+
Downloads
Content rating
Everyone
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About this app

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. Specific government sources include:

- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: https://www.noaa.gov/
- VIIRS: https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/data/instruments/viirs
- MODIS: https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): https://www.nifc.gov
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE): https://www.fire.ca.gov
- California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): https://www.caloes.ca.gov
- National Weather Service (NWS): https://www.weather.gov/
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/
- Bureau of Land Management: https://www.blm.gov/
- Department of Defense: https://www.defense.gov/
- National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/
- US Fish and Wildlife Service: https://www.fws.gov/
- US Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/

For more information or support, feel free to contact us at support.watchduty.org.

Privacy Policy: https://www.watchduty.org/legal/privacy-policy
Updated on
Sep 29, 2025

Data safety

Safety starts with understanding how developers collect and share your data. Data privacy and security practices may vary based on your use, region and age. The developer provided this information and may update it over time.
No data shared with third parties
Learn more about how developers declare sharing
This app may collect these data types
Location and Personal info
Data is encrypted in transit
You can request that data be deleted

Ratings and reviews

4.8
9.55K reviews
Kim Hansen
1 September 2025
I live in a town surrounded by fire country. This app is the best for getting updates quickly. I always check it during fire season before I go anywhere. Most of the areas I love to hike and fish in are very prone to fires, so this app is vital to make sure there are no issues before I leave on a trip. Also love the flight tracker option, so I can stay away from the areas the fire units are using for water dips.
25 people found this review helpful
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Sierra
24 July 2025
The constant notifications outside my selected areas are annoying. This app is crucial for safety and that the most important specs require pro purchase is disgusting everyone has to make a buck even at the expense of everyone's safety. I hate that the street view doesn't show all streets or cities is frustrating. I haven't found a replacement app yet so this is better than nothing for now.
13 people found this review helpful
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Rachel Cox
13 April 2025
This app helped me monitor the fire conditions and pop-up wildfires while on vacation allowing my family to be thoughtful about our travel plans. One note to fellow travelers, if you're out of range of cellular service or wifi, the app is unable to alert you, so keep that in mind in remote locations. Still an excellent app that I'll plan to use whenever I'm traveling in the coverage area.
137 people found this review helpful
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What's new

This release includes various improvements and fixes.