As devastating wildfires sweep across Southern California, the wildfire tracking app Watch Duty has claimed the number one spot for free apps on Apple's App Store, displacing ChatGPT which held the position since August 9.
The surge in downloads comes as more than 70,000 residents near Los Angeles face evacuation orders due to the raging Palisades Fire near Santa Monica and Eaton Fire near Pasadena. The fires, fueled by extreme winds reaching 100 mph, have already destroyed over 1,000 structures and claimed two lives.
Watch Duty, launched in 2021, provides real-time wildfire information through an extensive network of active and retired firefighters, first responders, and volunteer scanner monitors. Unlike other tracking apps that rely solely on government alerts, Watch Duty offers more immediate updates, though users should still defer to official information sources.
The app enables users to monitor wildfires in their vicinity, receive evacuation alerts, and track firefighting progress. Users can also check conditions in other regions - a valuable feature for those with family members in affected areas.
John Mills, Watch Duty's founder and CEO, created the app after relocating to a fire-prone region in Northern California. The platform has since gained recognition among firefighters and first responders across the western United States.
Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen endorsed the app on Twitter, noting its widespread use among California firefighters and highlighting features like video feeds and evacuation maps.
As California battles these destructive fires, Watch Duty's rise to the top of the App Store charts reflects the urgent need for reliable, real-time emergency information during natural disasters.