Welcome to the 2025 CalGIS Annual Conference.
Keynote Address: Watch Duty: Empowering Communities with Real-Time Wildfire IntelligenceIn an era of increasingly frequent and intense wildfires, timely, data-driven information can mean the difference between chaos and calm. After real problems really came to light in the wake of the 2017 firestorm and with a vision born after the 2020 Walbridge Fire, Watch Duty officially launched in August 2021.
This keynote will showcase how GIS, citizen-driven reporting, and cutting-edge technology are revolutionizing fire safety, evacuation zone monitoring, and emergency preparedness. Join us to learn how Watch Duty is bridging the gap between first responders, data-driven decision-making, and public safety—ensuring communities stay informed when every second counts. Nick Russell, VP of Operations, will share how Watch Duty’s collaborative approach to wildfire intelligence is empowering communities to act with confidence in moments that matter most.
Special Guest: Nick Russell, Vice President of Operations at Watch DutyNick Russell, Vice President of Operations at Watch Duty, as our keynote speaker. With over 15 years of operational management experience and a deep-rooted passion for radio technology to advance real-time wildfire reporting, Nick transitioned from a decade in agriculture and contributing as a dedicated volunteer, and joined Watch Duty full-time in August 2023. Nick’s key initiatives include the development of the Echo hardware radio system, enabling faster, more accurate wildfire information flow to both responders and the public.
