In this episode of All Things Wildfire, host OP Almaraz welcomes John Mills, the founder of Watch Duty, a groundbreaking app for wildfire alerts. John shares his personal journey, starting with his life off the grid in Sonoma County and how his first-hand experiences with wildfires inspired him to create a tool that could save lives. Watch Duty is designed to provide real-time, detailed wildfire information that goes far beyond traditional alerts, offering users clear, actionable insights to protect their lives and property.
John discusses the app's growth, its unique features, its impact on first responders and residents, and exciting developments on the horizon. He also opens up about his commitment to the nonprofit model, the passion driving his work, and the collaborative efforts with government agencies and private entities.
Episode Highlights:
- Origins of Watch Duty:
- John Mills recounts how living off-grid in Sonoma County exposed him to the dangers of wildfires. His frustration with the lack of accessible, reliable information sparked the idea for Watch Duty.
- What Makes Watch Duty Unique:
- Provides a narrative from ignition to extinguishment, giving users detailed context, including maps, evacuation routes, and wind conditions.
- Designed for ease of use during high-stress situations, offering clarity and actionable data.
- From Wildfire Alerts to Broader Disaster Coverage:
- Watch Duty is expanding to include data on floods, air quality, and tsunamis, aiming to become a comprehensive platform for natural disaster alerts.
- Collaboration with First Responders:
- Many firefighters and emergency managers use Watch Duty for its real-time data. The app is now being integrated into county-level fire maps in areas like Orange County, Ventura County, and LA County.
- Impressive Growth:
- 7.2 million yearly active users in 2024, a 4x increase from the previous year.
- Raised $2 million through Google.org funding and $2 million through memberships and donations.
- Radical Transparency and Nonprofit Model:
- Watch Duty is a nonprofit with a focus on transparency, publishing annual reports to show donors how funds are used. Only 2.5% of users pay for memberships, yet donations support millions of users.
- John’s Personal Dedication: