Volunteers United by One Mission
The National Wildfire Tracking Team is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing the public with real-time wildfire intelligence. We believe that access to accurate, timely fire information should be available to everyone.
Born From a Need to Inform and Protect
Our Mission
To provide free, real-time wildfire tracking and intelligence to every community in the United States, empowering people to make informed decisions during wildfire events.
Our Vision
A nation where no community is caught off guard by wildfire, where real-time intelligence is universally accessible, and where technology bridges the gap between detection and public awareness.
Our Commitment
We are committed to accuracy, speed, and public service. Every data point we share is verified, every alert is timely, and every tool we build is freely available.
Our Values
These principles guide everything we do, from how we verify data to how we serve communities in crisis.
Vigilance
We maintain constant awareness of wildfire conditions, ensuring no fire goes unnoticed and no community is left uninformed.
Accuracy
Every piece of data we share is verified against multiple sources. We prioritize precision because lives depend on the information we provide.
Timeliness
In wildfire emergencies, minutes matter. We are committed to delivering intelligence as fast as technology and human diligence allow.
Service
Our team is 100% volunteer-driven. We serve because we believe every community deserves access to the best wildfire information available.
Transparency
We use publicly available data from government agencies like NASA, NOAA, and NIFC, and we make our tracking tools freely available to all.
Community
We work alongside local fire departments, emergency managers, and community organizations to ensure our data reaches those who need it most.
Where Our Data Comes From
Sentinel does not generate its own fire detections. We aggregate, cross-reference, and display data published by public agencies, then layer in our own verification.
NASA FIRMS
Satellite-detected active fire hotspots (VIIRS and MODIS), refreshed multiple times per day.
NIFC
National Interagency Fire Center incident data, including large-fire status and containment.
InciWeb
Official incident reports and public information for active wildfire responses.
CAL FIRE
California-specific incident and perimeter data, preferred over national feeds for CA fires.
NOAA / National Weather Service
Red Flag Warnings, Fire Weather Watches, and other alerts tied to elevated fire risk.
AirNow & EPA
Air Quality Index readings used to show smoke impact on nearby communities.
Update Frequency
Satellite hotspots and weather alerts refresh continuously throughout the day. Incident perimeters and containment figures update as fast as source agencies publish them, which is typically once or twice daily during active incidents.
Limitations
Sentinel is not a government agency or an official emergency service, and information shown may be delayed, incomplete, or occasionally inaccurate. Always confirm evacuation orders and emergency instructions with official local sources.
Ready to Make a Difference?
We're always looking for dedicated volunteers who share our passion for public safety and wildfire awareness. Join our team and help protect communities across the nation.
Apply to Volunteer