The devastating fires in California have kept thousands of people on high alert. Many fear the fire will spread, and are trying to determine whether the flames have reached other areas. But did you know there’s an app that allows you to track fires in real time?
It’s called Watch Duty. Here’s everything you need to know about this app, so you can stay informed about the fires and act in time.
What is Watch Duty?
Watch Duty is a nonprofit organization that provides real-time information on nearby wildfires and ongoing firefighting actions.
This service is supported by over 150 volunteers, including firefighters, dispatchers, and first responders, who constantly monitor radio scanners and other official sources 24/7 to provide you with the most up-to-date information.
ALSO READ SAG 2025: this is the COMPLETE list of nominees
How Does Watch Duty Work?
The service offers several features:
- Real-time wildfire map and alerts: Receive notifications about the status and evolving conditions of fires as they progress.
- Monitoring of wildfires and controlled burns: It lets you know if visible smoke is coming from a fire that could pose a threat.
- Flight tracker: This feature tracks the flight paths of firefighting aircraft in real time.
- Consolidated information: It sends out red flag alerts and keeps you informed about power outages.
- Tracking of active fire perimeters: Using satellite imagery and other official sources, you can easily monitor the progression of a fire.
- Evacuation orders and shelters: Provides evacuation notices and details on available shelters for people and animals.
- Submit photos: Allows you to help first responders by sending photos of fire conditions.
Who Created Watch Duty?
This service was created by John Mills, who came up with the idea after getting trapped in the Wallbridge Fire in California in 2020. Mills realized how dangerous it was to be unable to obtain vital information about wildfires, which could be fatal. As a result, he decided to develop Watch Duty, a free app that allows people to track the progress of flames in real time.
Where Are the Fires in California?
Currently, there are three fires in Los Angeles County. The largest of them is in Palisades, which started around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Nearly simultaneously, the Hurst fire broke out in Sylmar, in the San Fernando Valley. Then, around 6:30 p.m., the Eaton fire started in Altadena.
How Did the Fires in California Start in 2025?
The causes of these fires are still under investigation. However, Cal Fire pointed out three possible causes: low humidity due to scarce rainfall, dry vegetation, and strong winds that are sweeping the region.
What Are the Damages from the California Fires?
So far, the fire has destroyed over 1,180 hectares. More than 1,400 firefighters are working to control the flames, and over 50,000 residents were evacuated this Wednesday. Additionally, more than 150,000 homes and buildings in Los Angeles County are without electricity.
Deaths from Fires in California 2025
The devastating fires have not only ravaged thousands of trees and grasslands, but two civilians have also been reported dead in the Eaton fire. Moreover, a significant number of people have been injured, and over 100 structures have been destroyed by the flames.
