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Fire-Tracking App Gains Unprecedented Popularity Amid LA Wildfires
This past week, Los Angeles residents faced severe wildfires, leading to an enormous spike in the usage of the fire-tracking app Watch Duty. This app, which offers real-time updates about ongoing fires, achieved a remarkable milestone by being downloaded 2 million times. Developed to serve communities during times of crisis, Watch Duty provides essential information gleaned from a combination of active and retired firefighters, first responders, and dedicated volunteers. These contributors utilize radio scanners and official reports to keep users informed about the latest wildfire developments.
A Lifeline Funded by Community Support
Unlike many tech applications, Watch Duty functions as a nonprofit largely sustained through donations. CEO John Mills emphasizes the fundamental principle of maintaining community service over profit. Despite the app's rapid rise in popularity, Mills has committed to preserving user privacy by limiting the collection of personal data and rejecting any notion of monetizing this vital information tool. With a dedicated team comprising 15 full-time employees and around 200 volunteers, the app embodies a collaborative effort aimed at safeguarding the public during emergencies.
The Unique Benefits of Real-Time Fire Tracking
By leveraging the collective insights from on-the-ground sources, Watch Duty stands out as a pivotal resource for Los Angeles residents, particularly when traditional alerts may fall short. This app not only provides timely updates but also serves as a model of how technology can be harnessed for public safety — offering immense value to communities at risk and underscoring the importance of access to reliable information when it's needed most.
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