Online wildfire resources to follow
An image of the Watch Duty app.
The resources below can help those impacted by wildfires. While this listing is not comprehensive, it includes the most used and available disaster aid organizations and fire tracking information.
APPS TO DOWNLOAD
WATCH DUTY
This is the go-to app. It provides real-time wildfire mapping and alerts so that users can see where wildfires are in their area. What sets it apart is the use of trained professionals, not AI bots. “Watch Duty provides up-to-the-minute, life-saving information through a dedicated team of active and retired firefighters, dispatchers, first responders, and reporters who monitor radio scanners around the clock.” Disaster tracking features include push notifications about evacuation orders and power outages. Available for iOS and Android devices. In a review, one professional says Watch Duty is their top choice. “As an industry professional, this app has become by go-to when tracking fires and the responding resources.” Scores 4.9 stars in the App Store.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers its official app for iOS and Android that provides weather alerts, disaster preparedness guides and recovery assistance information. “Reliable, accurate forecasts. A must have for weather and local emergency situations,” states one reviewer. Scores 3.7 stars in the App Store.
AIRNOW
The EPS’s Air Now app is a simple way to check air quality conditions and forecasts. Store multiple areas for easy reference on the go. “Being an asthmatic and living in the PNW, I have to pay attention to all the fires and smoke warnings. This app has helped me so much,” wrote one top reviewer. Scores 3.1 stars in the App Store.
CLIME
Stay informed on severe weather with real-time radar and alerts from NOAA Weather Radar Live. Premium service offers a lightning tracker, wildfire tracker, animated wind map, advanced precipitation, and rain alerts. No ads. “If you want the most accurate up-to-date hour by hour forecast, this is definitely the way to go,” one review states. Scores 4.5 stars in the App Store.
ONLINE RESOURCES
NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER
The National Interagency Fire Center is a joint operation managed by the federal government with state and local partners interacting to ensure fire information is easily accessible to communities impacted by wildfires. Resources include information on preparedness levels, fire prevention, maps of recent fires and situation reports on specific wildfire incidents. Nifc.gov.
NORTHERN ROCKIES COORDINATION CENTER
This site is the interagency focal point for coordinating wildfire resources throughout the Northern Rockies area. Look for the morning incident report for the latest details about how firefighters and resources are being deployed. gacc.nifc.gov.
MONTANA FIRE INFO
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation hosts the MT Fire Info, which includes information on current fire incidents, smoke preparedness, help planning outings when and where wildfire may be a risk and preparing your home and property for wildfire. Information on workshops to educate the public on wildfire preparedness is available as well. MtFireInfo.org.
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
The Montana DNRC is the state agency overseeing wildfire preparedness in the state. The site offers information on forestry and fires. dnrc.mt.gov.
READY.GOV
This national emergency readiness website provides a lot of information to help people prepare for disasters. One of the most important is information on how to prepare a basic disaster supply kid. Ready.gov.
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Information on ongoing wildfires, including controlled burns to manage fire risks, may be found on the site. More information may be obtained by calling 360-9021300 or emailing [email protected]. Information on specific fire incidents and a dashboard that includes a map of current fires in Washington state are also available through the site. dnr.wa.gov/wildfires.