Watch Duty: Wildfire Maps Reviews

by Acca-mazing 801 Guy

While I can appreciate a third party trying to get out accurate information to the public, there needs to be some way to confirm the information. On more than one occasion containment was called on a fire that was in fact not contained. Also, resources commitment time was given as a few days on an incident, when it was just several hours. Again…great intentions and trying to inform the public, but it needs to be accurate, correct information so it does not steer the public incorrectly or create any unnecessary hysteria or concerns.

by Minirexs

I like WatchDuty for a lot of reasons. Mostly conveys accurate information, is timely, and easy to use. Definitely recommend it.
Here is the issues. Often the location of the fire on the map is incorrect, sometimes it’s just a little off but I’ve also seen the icon be miles off. It would be nice if there was a way to report an error like this as the location being wrong could cause unnecessary confusion and panic. Lastly I’m getting reports of fire in other states, states that are days away from me, this is unhelpful.

by One Of The Boys

And, it’s only in its “infancy”. If you want to be aware of fire activity, and in my opinion, you should be in this new era of wildfires, just download WatchDuty and turn on push notifications. With Watch Duty, Planefinder set up with fire apparatus notifications, and PulsePoint there is (almost) no reason to ever be surprised by wildfire. Alert Wildfire webcam site, Nixle, etc. should not be overlooked as well. I feel being informed is my best shot at being safe.

by GiantsfanMeag

WatchDuty has the potential to be really fantastic and the go to resource for Sonoma and Napa County residents. It sends alerts when a fire is reported, which is extremely beneficial for those of us (myself very much included) in this area that has a panic attack when the wind picks up, we hear a fire engine, or we smell smoke. The only complaint I have is the alerts are not nearly loud enough. I actually just got an alert on my phone and the only reason I heard it is because it was right next to me. I always have my phone volume turned up to the maximum, especially during fire season, so phone volume isn’t the problem. So, my only recommendation for making WatchDuty better is giving the user the option to change the alert sounds so that they’re louder. Other than that? This will be a really great app for everyone and I thank the developers for creating it.

by Saigar

I learned about WatchDuty yesterday and immediately noticed the difference between this and other emergency alert apps I’ve used. I love that you give accurate information as soon as it is released from official channels. The notifications are timely and direct, without all the unreliable hearsay you find on social media. It is also helpful to see evacuation zone maps, photos from the ground, and aerial images of the firefighting efforts. I highly recommend WatchDuty to all my friends, family, and anyone who lives in Sonoma, Lake, and Napa County.

by Anonblueymous

I cannot say enough about how amazing WatchDuty is. It only notifies me a real fires and it notifies me of real fires!
It’s very easy to follow along with their updates and they always take the time to make sure they close the loop when the incident is complete. Fabulous job!

by Skip-doggy-dog

In a time of many wildfires in Lake County, CA, this lets me keep an eye on what fire is happening, it’s progress, and where it is located. Occasional videos are really good too. I highly recommend WatchDuty. This Reduces stress in my life to reliably know what is happening.

by Bontowastaken

Can’t wait for it to expand. Thank you all for making this. Having to search around for any up-to-date info each year is stressful and exhausting. This is simple and fantastic.

by Sunnys Picks

WatchDuty is super informative both at the initial event, during and after. Super helpful during these fire prone days. I learned about it on next door post recently. Wish i knew about it a few years ago. 👍🏼

by CL User 34557

An incredible app and really helpful for people living in rural areas and very helpful for friends and family affected by fires.

WatchDuty includes real time information from firefighters and First responders. Must download!

by Hahajxjejxhoajabx

This is a very good team of people providing way more rich information than any other fire app. Period. If you’re using PulsePoint or Firespot or any other tool, switch to this.

I believe at the moment they are Sonoma county only and growing.

by Izzy_eight

I just downloaded WatchDuty yesterday and was alerted to a fire in Petaluma going on right now. The notifications and updates have been very helpful. I use several other apps to follow fires and this one is the best so far! I’ve already recommended WatchDuty to family and co-workers.

by Steve F - Occidental, CA

WatchDuty does an excellent job of aggregating information about fires from several sources and presents them in an easy to read manner. The continuously updated information, and the ability to have alerts on your phone when there is an update are especially useful.

by Mwboyle59

Downloaded WatchDuty last night. It’s keeping me notified in real time, right now, about a local fire. Everything you could hope for to stay informed up to the minute, without the chatter and tangential comments that occur on Facebook groups. Thank you so much for this resource!

by Lalalaballerinaidkrandom

WatchDuty is probably the most important and useful thing on my phone during fire season. Timely detailed info on every wild fire and vegetation fire. Frequent and accurate updates on the response and fire activity. Very reassuring to have all this good info in one place. Well done and many thanks to the developers.

by Jrdnsprncss

I downloaded WatchDuty as soon as it was available. It keeps me off Facebook where there’s multiple posts about assumptions or rumors which can really stress someone out. WatchDuty gives real information at real time. Already had two fires near where I live since WatchDuty debut and it’s been so helpful! If you live in Lake, Napa or Sonoma county, you need WatchDuty!!

by Tashi689

During fire season I have had to rely on local Facebook groups, Nixle, the county notifications and other sources in order to stay informed of active fires in my area. Recently the Nixle notifications have been spotty. Now I get quick, concise easy to understand updates from the field. This makes it much easier and reduces anxiety. I get the updates on my Apple Watch. So far this is the best app I have tried for fire info.

by I'vetriedeverynickname!

A big thank you to the Devs who put WatchDuty together. Love that it is limited to wildfires only, and especially enjoy seeing the live updates that appear to be based on Cal Fire comm’s. Great job to all who worked on this.

If you get bored (maybe after fire season?) there’s a great need for an app that accesses all the live cams around the state. There’s one app out there but it seems a little sketchy.

by Morningbell

Would recommend and very appreciated. Timely info and keep current. Like that it’s updated through the incident until the final results. Recently there was a fire near Two Rock. WatchDuty allowed me to keep an eye on what was happening as I live in the general area. It gave some peace of mind knowing what was going on and if needed my “wildfire corner” ready to go. Thankfully fire contained and evacuation wasn’t the case. However, the heads up is / was very helpful.

by The57

I downloaded WatchDuty , and within 2 days had 2 fires that were showing in close areas. WatchDuty is super easy to use, has so much information, great updates during fires, pictures and it’s all right there, no clicking and looking around. Tap on the fire you want information on and it’s there.

I am hoping and I believe it’s happening….. that other counties (like Marin … hint, hint) are added.

Great job and keep up the good job!!!!

by Esanoche

This will contribute to the safety of our communities. It works well and is clean and uncomplicated. Thank you.