Community members using Watch Duty app to keep track of nearby wildfires | FireWatch [Video]

EUGENE, Ore. — As more fires continue to pop up and spread across Oregon, people continue to use social media to spread and share important and life saving information.

A lot of that information comes straight from fire officials and first responders. However, some information also comes from fire awareness mobile apps like ”Watch Duty.”

The app originally began in California, but expanded to Oregon in May 2023. Since then, the app has been used by community members and local and state agencies according to Vice President of Operations, Nick Russell.

“We’re not using cryptic text, acronyms, or things the public doesn’t understand. We’re clearly spelling this out,” Russell said. “It’s very similar to sports reporting from the start of ignition …