Wildfires have been wreaking havoc in Los Angeles for days, with the Palisades and Eaton fires raging through the city. As people struggle to evacuate and save their homes, one app has emerged as a lifeline in this time of uncertainty – Watch Duty. This app, created by CEO and founder John Clarke Mills, provides real-time updates on fire perimeters, evacuation zones, and air quality, helping users stay informed and safe.
Mills was inspired to create Watch Duty after a wildfire threatened his own home in 2021. Frustrated by the lack of timely information during that crisis, he set out to develop a platform that could assist others facing similar situations. Over time, Watch Duty has expanded its coverage to 22 states across the western and central US, becoming an essential resource for those living in fire-prone areas.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have brought unprecedented attention to Watch Duty, with the app gaining 600,000 new users overnight and becoming the top app in Apple’s iOS store. This surge in popularity has posed new challenges for the small team behind the app, as they work tirelessly to keep up with the influx of users and provide critical information during this crisis.
In a recent interview, Mills described the current situation as “bonkers,” acknowledging that these fires are unlike anything he’s ever seen before. The scale and impact of the fires have pushed Watch Duty to its limits, with the team working around the clock to meet the demands of the crisis. Despite the challenges, Mills remains proud of his team’s efforts and dedication to supporting users in real-time.
As the fires continue to burn and the situation evolves, Watch Duty remains committed to providing essential updates and support to those affected. The app’s success in helping people navigate this crisis underscores the importance of reliable information and technology in times of disaster. With their innovative approach and dedication to serving the community, Watch Duty continues to make a difference in the fight against wildfires. We adapt to the changing circumstances and do whatever it takes to provide accurate and timely information to the public. Our team will continue to work around the clock, monitoring the situation, and keeping the community informed about evacuation orders, road closures, and fire containment efforts.
As for the fires beyond this current one, we will be ready. We have learned from each experience and have improved our processes to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for future emergencies. We will continue to collaborate with fire agencies, emergency responders, and other organizations to coordinate our efforts and provide the most comprehensive coverage possible.
In the face of such devastating natural disasters, it is essential to have reliable sources of information that can help people make informed decisions and stay safe. Watch Duty is committed to fulfilling that role and serving the community in times of crisis. We will continue to be on the front lines, listening to the world burn, and doing our part to keep everyone informed and safe. As the demand for Watch Duty continues to skyrocket, the team behind the scenes is working tirelessly to keep the servers online and ensure that the engineers are well taken care of. With three orders of magnitude explosive growth, the pressure is on to keep everything running smoothly. Not only are the servers a top priority, but the reporters covering the events also need support, whether it’s a pep talk or just a helping hand.
Tonight, another wind event is on the horizon, adding to the already hectic workload. The team knows they are far from being in the clear, and the challenges keep coming. It’s all about pushing through and getting the job done, no matter what obstacles come their way.
Looking ahead to the long-term future of Watch Duty, the team is already strategizing about how to handle other disasters. The goal is to provide the same level of support and information that was crucial during the recent Hurricane Helene in LA. The team understands the importance of having accurate data and being a voice of reason during times of crisis. They are actively working on ways to improve their services and be a reliable source of information for those in need.
Despite the chaos and uncertainty, staying positive and constructive is key. Sitting in despair is not an option when there is so much important work to be done. The team remains focused on the task at hand and is determined to make a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.
In the end, the dedication and hard work of the Watch Duty team will continue to shine through, no matter what challenges they face. They are committed to making a difference and being a reliable source of support for those in need.
