WFCA Fire Map provides real-time wildfire tracking data

Tracking Wildfire Risks via the WFCA Fire Map

The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) Fire Map provides near real-time tracking of wildfire activity across the western United States and Alaska. Monitoring these fast-moving events requires a multi-layered technological approach that combines satellite observation with ground-level dispatch data.

Wildfire detections begin overhead through polar-orbiting satellites, including NASA FIRMS data from VIIRS, MODIS, and Landsat, alongside NOAA’s geostationary GOES satellites. These thermal observations are verified by Satellites on Fire (SoF), an artificial intelligence system designed to cross-reference satellite inputs for higher resolution. At the same time, the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center issue critical Red Flag Warnings and fire-weather outlooks to signal heightened atmospheric risks.

Data Layers and Live Monitoring Capabilities

The public-facing platform at wfca.com/fire-map integrates numerous data streams to give responders and residents an immediate look at developing threats. Users can toggle multiple layers depending on their informational needs:

Active incident perimeters drawn from official IRWIN incident records and federal FEDS perimeters, showing containment status and growth tracking.
Live 911 dispatch calls covering fire, medical, and other emergencies via PulsePoint.
Short-range spread forecasts for California fires via FIRIS, alongside smoke and lightning observations.
Live firefighting aircraft tracking for authorized tankers, helicopters, and reconnaissance flights.
Real-time fire camera feeds from ALERTCalifornia, ALERTWest, and partner networks.
High-resolution satellite imagery using GOES GeoColor true-color and VIIRS Fire Bands composites.

While the map offers deep-link capabilities for sharing specific viewports and locations across different states, wildfire dispatch and location data remain approximate. The platform provides no explicit representation or warranty regarding the timeliness, accuracy, or completeness of the underlying emergency data.