Watch Duty is real-time wildfire and flood tracking alert platform. It utilizes a combination of official data sources and human monitoring by experienced volunteers, including active and retired firefighters, dispatchers, and first responders. The service is operated by Sherwood Forestry Service, a 501©(3) non-profit organization. In 2025, Watch Duty had 48 full-time employees and approximately 250 volunteers who reported on over 13,000 wildfires. In June 2026, Watch Duty announced they now cover major flooding events.

I highly recommend downloading this App. I learned about it while taking some single-engine air tanker (SEAT) training a few years ago. The app even provides wind direction and relative wind speeds. There are both free and PRO versions. It is an outstanding app and could even save your life.

–rivermusic/skye/riverwindphotography, August 2026