As the Los Angeles wildfires rage, the Watch Duty app provides timely information on wildfire conditions

View the assignmenta service that tracks wildfires in 22 states, has become a critical resource for Los Angeles residents face catastrophic wildfires.

The app and website are operated by a non-profit organization Collects real-time dispatch information and alerts to veterinarians Through a team of employees and about 200 volunteers An increase of 600,000 users Within 24 hours last week at the start of wildfires in Los Angeles County. per week Since the fires startedTens of thousands of buildings were destroyed, more than 100,000 people were displaced, and at least 24 people were killed.

In addition to providing searchable maps and alerts about where wildfires are occurring, Watch Duty provides information about air quality and wind direction, resources about evacuation information and shelters, and sends alerts when fires threaten lives or property. The service, which launched in 2021, includes among its volunteers retired and active firefighters and dispatchers who help confirm information from fire cameras, satellites, wireless scanners, announcements from police and fire services, photos and user-submitted tips.

Last week Watch Duty zoomed to the top of the Apple App Store download charts, as it has Several times in the past During other wildfire incidents. It remains in the top 10 there this week, as well as in the Google Play Store.

The nonprofit’s CEO, John Clark Mills, a software entrepreneur who started Watch Duty after a close call of a wildfire near his home in Northern California, said the app’s success has been “bittersweet.” “Most days, I absolutely love what I do, am truly honored to serve, and am so grateful for the privilege of doing so. This is not one of those days,” he wrote on LinkedIn this week.

“It’s really hard to comprehend the amount of devastation I’ve witnessed in less than 24 hours. This is the worst I’ve seen since I took this position, and it’s not even close to being over.” Mills wrote Last week.

As of Tuesday, a week after the fires started, the Palisades Fire had become sprawling Only 17% containedAnd Eaton’s fire is 35%, according to the New York Times.

Los Angeles Times I mentioned Watch Duty has raised $2 million in membership fees, $600,000 in donations and $3 million in grants. It offers additional features, such as a firefighting aircraft tracker, with a membership starting at $25 per year. As of mid-December, Watch Duty is live Over 7.2 million active users.

On social media, the app has been discussed and recommended by users including ESPN’s Mina Kemmis, Signal Chief Meredith Whitaker and CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti.