‘Watch Duty’ app delivers fire information to 1.5 million users | Laptop News

When a wildfire threatens a community in California, life-saving information needs to be delivered quickly.Since 2021, that has been the mission of the team behind Watch Duty — a free smartphone and desktop app that its creators describe as a “one-stop shop for wildfire information.”Everything from the latest evacuation warnings and orders to updated fire perimeters and official reports from the fire line can be found with just a few taps. “We’ve got to be able to have a platform that gets this information right into peoples’ hands when they need it most and not be affected by social media algorithms or comment streams,” said Nick Russell. Russell is the vice president of operations for Watch Duty. He joined the app’s leadership team after starting as a volunteer reporter. The Watch Duty team operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Most of the updates shared on the app are gathered and published by a dedicated group of volunteers like Russell. Each must follow a strict code of conduct meant to ensure that information is accurate and timely.”We’re providing these updates from the start of ignition until the threat passes or the last engine leaves,” Russell said. Currently, Watch Duty shares updates on wildfires in every county in 13 states, including California. Russell said the app has more than 1.5 million users.”We hope that any member of the public who could be affected by a wildfire or has a family member or a loved one or someone they care about, we want them using the app,” Russell said.The Watch Duty app is now working on expanding its technology and reach across the United States. The group hopes to start operating in Hawaii soon. In addition to wildfires, this year, Watch Duty also started sharing updates on prescribed burning. Russell said he…

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