Fire Chaser App Enhances Wildfire Reporting and Community Safety in Bouches-du-Rhône

Fire Chaser, an app launched in August 2023, allows residents of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in France to report wildfires they encounter. The app was developed to help combat wildfires in this Mediterranean region, which includes Marseille, the second-largest city in France, and its rural surroundings. The area is known for its sunny climate but also faces a high risk of wildfires.

Users of Fire Chaser can report and geolocate fires they observe by sharing photos and additional information through the app. This information is reviewed by administrators before being made public. The app also alerts residents to nearby fires, allowing them to track the fire’s progress in real-time with status updates coded in red for active fires, blue for control, and grey for extinguished.

Raphaël Supplisson, president of the Fire Chaser association, highlighted the growing threat of wildfires due to climate change. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in fire prevention, as it is not feasible to station fire trucks at every potential fire site. The app serves as a crucial tool for residents to protect themselves by staying informed about fire safety measures.

Since its launch, Fire Chaser has facilitated the reporting of over 60 forest fires and has gained significant traction, with over 10,000 downloads and more than 6,000 active users. It stands out as the only platform of its kind in France, aiming to enhance community engagement in wildfire management.

Looking ahead, the developers plan to upgrade Fire Chaser to make it useful for officials, including public authorities, municipalities, and crisis centers. This will further integrate the app into the broader framework of wildfire response and management, enhancing its utility and effectiveness in combating these natural disasters.