Summary
Overview
This TED Talk features John Mills, founder of WatchDuty, a nonprofit emergency alert app that provides real-time wildfire information across the American West. Mills shares how experiencing wildfires firsthand in Northern California inspired him to create a citizen-powered alerting system that now serves millions, outpacing government response times and changing how communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters. The conversation explores the tension between civic tech innovation and institutional systems, the mechanics of WatchDuty's operations, and plans for expansion to other natural disasters.
The Origin Story: A Personal Wildfire Wake-Up Call
John Mills recounts his first wildfire experience shortly after moving off-grid in Northern California, where he found himself alone during a fire with no official alerts or information. This pivotal moment, followed by discovering ham radio operators sharing real-time information on social media during subsequent fires, revealed a critical gap in emergency communication systems and planted the seed for what would become WatchDuty.
- Mills experienced his first wildfire with no official alerts, only a helicopter pilot waving at him to evacuate
- During later fires, he discovered ham radio operators listening to first responder communications and sharing information on social media
- Radio operators work independently on social media, sometimes 18 hours a day during wildfires, becoming heroes in their communities
- Mills immersed himself in wildfire training, going on ride-alongs and joining radio operators
" That's when it hit me like 25,000 pounds of retardant raining down on me. I was out here alone on my own with only two choices. "
" Where is the information? And that's when it hit me, and I couldn't unsee it. I realized that the government wasn't going to be able to solve this problem, but those radio operators were. "
Building WatchDuty: An 80-Day Sprint to Change Emergency Response
Mills assembled a team of radio operators and volunteer engineers from Silicon Valley to build WatchDuty in just 80 days. The app leverages human intelligence and radio monitoring to provide real-time wildfire alerts, beating government systems by significant margins. Despite initial resistance and threats from officials, the app proved its value immediately, saving homes and lives across Northern California.
- WatchDuty was built in an 80-day sprint using volunteer engineers and donated servers
- The app beat government alerts by 41 minutes during a mobile home park fire in Lake County
- Officials initially threatened the team and claimed it was illegal, but residents were ecstatic about the service
- The team expanded exponentially year after year, recruiting hundreds of radio operators and raising millions from philanthropists
- During the LA fires, 2.5 million people (one quarter of LA County) downloaded WatchDuty in just a few days
" The status quo has no interest in changing. "
" We are proof that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. "
" Mr. Rogers would tell you to look for the helpers, but I'm going to tell you that once you find them, prepare for battle, because the status quo will not change without a fight. "
" Do not ask for permission. Proceed until apprehended. "
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