Watch Duty Reports Explosive Growth and Impact as Wildfire Threats Intensify

Over the last few years, Watch Duty has been a vital asset in the Douglas County area, helping people stay informed with the latest wildfire updates.
Watch Duty, a nonprofit wildfire information platform, has announced record-breaking growth and impact in its 2024 annual report, solidifying its reputation as a go-to resource for residents and first responders amid increasingly dangerous wildfire seasons. The organization, which relies on a network of dedicated staff, volunteers, and donor support, expanded its reach across the American West and fostered deeper partnerships with local, state, and federal emergency management agencies.
Surging User Base and National Recognition
In 2024, Watch Duty’s yearly active users skyrocketed from 1.9 million to 7.2 million—an increase of nearly fourfold—while active mobile devices more than doubled to 2.8 million. Page views soared from 115 million to 512 million, and at the height of Southern California’s wildfire crisis in September, 1.1 million users relied on the platform daily, driving it to the top spot in the App Store.
This unprecedented traction caught the attention of major national media outlets, including The Washington Post, Bloomberg, NPR, and NewsNation. The White House took notice as well, inviting the organization to discuss its critical role in disaster response. Governors and mayors sought to engage with Watch Duty to protect their communities, underscoring its growing influence.
Expanding Capacity and Streamlining Costs
To keep pace with demand, Watch Duty doubled its full-time staff to 15 employees and onboarded 72 new volunteers this year. The nonprofit’s budget and operations reflect an unwavering commitment to transparency and efficiency. Total funding climbed to $5.6 million, with $2 million sourced directly from 65,500 paying members, a $1 million grant, and a $2 million grant from Google.org. These resources supported a focus on top-tier talent and minimized overhead, driving the organization’s cost per active user down to just $0.34, a 1.5x improvement over last year.
Trusted by Both Residents and First Responders
Beyond the numbers, Watch Duty has become a lifeline for those confronting the harsh realities of wildfire. The platform’s timely alerts have helped community members evacuate and save pets and property. First responders—ranging from sheriffs’ offices to aircraft pilots—now rely on the platform’s real-time intelligence. In 2024, Watch Duty supported the reporting of 9,102 wildfires and integrated key data sources, including ALERTCalifornia and ALERTWest cameras, to offer a one-stop-shop for wildfire information. The result is a growing network of trust, with agencies like CALFIRE and the Oregon Department of Forestry using Watch Duty to enhance their communication and disaster management strategies.
Radical Transparency as a Cornerstone
Watch Duty has taken the uncommon step of publicly sharing detailed budgetary and operational metrics, including unaudited page view analytics. This “radical transparency” aims to strengthen the bond with members, donors, and partner organizations, setting a new standard for nonprofit accountability in disaster relief. The organization’s lean administration costs, hovering around just 4.16%—significantly lower than the nonprofit industry average of ~35%—demonstrate its commitment to directing funds where they are most needed: talent, technology, and direct service.
Expanding Beyond Wildfires in 2025
Looking ahead, Watch Duty plans to expand its coverage into other hazards, including river flooding and weather events that exacerbate wildfire risk. The nonprofit will continue extending its geographic reach eastward to states like Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, while also enhancing its services for first responders and utilities. Key themes for 2025 include improved geographic information systems (GIS), refined sales and business operations for professional memberships, and further membership growth to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
A Call to Action
Ultimately, Watch Duty’s definition of success goes beyond media headlines or app store rankings. True success, the organization says, would be a world where its services are no longer needed because wildfires are managed so effectively that communities remain safe without constant vigilance.
In the meantime, the nonprofit is asking for continued support through donations and memberships. As Watch Duty evolves to meet the challenges of a changing climate, its overarching mission remains the same: to provide life-saving information when communities need it most.
Read the complete Watch Duty 2024 Annual Report on their blog.
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