About the Live Wildfire Map
The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) Fire Map depicts active and recent wildland fires in the USA. The map draws near real-time 911 dispatch call data from PulsePoint, so you can watch new wildfire responses appear as local fire agencies are dispatched. It is a free tool for firefighters, fire service trainees, emergency planners, journalists, and anyone who wants to follow wildfire activity across California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, and beyond.
Emerging and ongoing wildland fire location and boundary data are provided by the National Interagency Fire Center IRWIN feeds. FIRIS (California only) provides early fire perimeter and 3-hour forecasting models.
How to Use the Fire Map
- Search: Type a city, ZIP code, or place name into the map's search box to jump to that area.
- GPS: Tap the GPS button to center the map on your current location and see nearby incidents. Your browser will ask for permission first.
- Zoom in on clusters: Numbered markers group several nearby incidents. Zoom in to separate them and tap a marker for details.
- Layers: Use the Layers button to change what is shown on the map, such as base map and incident layers.
- Fires menu: Open the Fires button to browse active wildland fires as a list.
- Full screen: On a phone or small screen, use the “Full-screen map” link above the map for more room.
Data Sources
| Source | What it provides |
|---|---|
| PulsePoint Foundation | Near real-time 911 dispatch call data from participating fire agencies |
| National Interagency Fire Center – IRWIN | Emerging and ongoing wildland fire locations and boundaries |
| UCSD WIFIRE FIRIS | California-only early fire perimeters and 3-hour forecast models |
| Western Fire Chiefs Association | Publisher of the WFCA Fire Map |
| Mapbox | Base map and mapping platform |
The WFCA Fire Map is made possible through the working partnership between WFCA, the PulsePoint Foundation, the US Forest Service, UCSD WIFIRE FIRIS, the California Fire Chiefs Association, and Mapbox.
Dispatch Incidents vs. Mapped Wildfire Perimeters
Two kinds of information appear on a wildfire map, and they behave differently. A dispatch incident comes from a 911 call and shows approximately where fire crews were sent. It appears quickly, often before the size or cause of a fire is known, and many dispatches are small vegetation fires that are controlled in minutes. A mapped perimeter is the estimated or surveyed boundary of a larger wildfire, published after an incident is established. Perimeters can lag behind real conditions, especially during fast-moving fires, which is why the two data types are shown together.
Wildfire Safety Resources
Wildland Fire Training Tools on Free Fire Simulator
Free Fire Simulator is a browser-based fire service training site. After checking current fire activity, you can practice scene sizing and tactics with our free simulators, which work with a mouse or a touchscreen.
Wildfire Map FAQ
How often is the wildfire map updated?
The map draws near real-time 911 dispatch call data from PulsePoint, so new wildland fire dispatches can appear within minutes. Official fire perimeter and incident data from the National Interagency Fire Center (IRWIN) update on the agencies' own schedules and may lag behind dispatch information.
Where does the fire data come from?
Dispatch data comes from PulsePoint. Emerging and ongoing wildland fire locations and boundaries come from the National Interagency Fire Center IRWIN feeds. In California, UCSD WIFIRE FIRIS adds early fire perimeters and 3-hour forecast models. Base maps are by Mapbox.
How do I find wildfires near me on this map?
Use the search box on the map to enter a city, ZIP code, or place name, or tap the GPS button to center the map on your location. Zoom in to separate clustered incident markers.
Is this map an official evacuation or emergency source?
No. Dispatch and location data are approximate and are not guaranteed to be timely, accurate, or complete. For evacuation orders and emergency alerts, rely on your local fire department, sheriff, county emergency management, and official alert systems. In an emergency, call 911.
What is the difference between a dispatch incident and a mapped wildfire perimeter?
A dispatch incident is a 911 call response and shows roughly where crews were sent. A mapped perimeter is the surveyed or estimated boundary of a larger wildfire, published by wildland fire agencies after the incident is established.
Does the map cover fires outside the Western US?
Yes. The WFCA Fire Map depicts active and recent wildland fires across the USA, though PulsePoint dispatch coverage depends on which local agencies participate.