Watch Duty Surpasses ChatGPT as Top Free App on App Store Amid California Wildfires
Watch Duty, an app designed for tracking wildfires with live maps and alerts, has climbed to the top position as the No. 1 free app in Apple's App Store as of Wednesday morning. The app has overtaken the ChatGPT app amid raging wildfires devastating Southern California. ChatGPT had held the No. 1 spot in the U.S. since August 9, according to app intelligence provider Appfigures.
Watch Duty, which has been available since 2021, claims its service is utilized by firefighters and first responders throughout the western United States.
Fire-tracking app goes viral amid wildfires.
The app aggregates information about active wildfires from an array of active and retired firefighters, first responders, official government reports, and volunteer reporters who tune into radio scanners constantly. Unlike other fire-tracking apps that mainly depend on official alerts, Watch Duty asserts to provide more real-time information. However, it's vital to note that the app doesn't replace official emergency information.
By downloading Watch Duty, users can view wildfires in their immediate area and receive alerts about nearby fires, evacuation warnings, and ongoing firefighting efforts.
The app also allows users to monitor fires in other locations, which can be invaluable for those with loved ones in Southern California.
Image Credits:Watch Duty
The application soared to the top of the charts on Wednesday morning, with more than 70,000 people in and around Los Angeles County facing evacuation orders due to the Palisades Fire near Santa Monica and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena. At writing time, the Associated Press reported that the fires have demolished over 1,000 structures and claimed at least two lives. The situation remains dire as fierce winds propelling the flames, reaching up to 100 mph, continue to impact the region.
Friends in LA: Download the Watch Duty app to track the fire in real time. It’s the official wildfire app used by the firemen in California with very granular real-time updates, video feeds, and evacuation maps.— Ryan Petersen (@typesfast) January 8, 2025
The app's creator, John Mills, said in an interview with The Washington Post earlier this year that he developed Watch Duty after relocating to a fire-prone zone in Northern California.