Live wildfire cameras
Watch real-time views from the cameras first responders use to catch fires early — the ALERTCalifornia / ALERTWest network of 1,150+ mountaintop PTZ cameras. See the ones nearest you, live.
Watch live wildfire cameras near you
See real-time views from the ALERTCalifornia / ALERTWest camera network — the same PTZ cameras first responders use to spot new fires. Your location never leaves your browser.
or enter an address:
How wildfire cameras catch fires early
The ALERTCalifornia program (UC San Diego) and partner ALERTWest networks operate more than 1,150 pan/tilt/zoom cameras on peaks and towers across the western U.S. They give firefighters a 360° view of the landscape, confirm and size up new ignitions, and increasingly feed AI models that flag a column of smoke within minutes — frequently before the first 911 call. Watching a nearby camera during a Red Flag Warning or an active incident is one of the fastest ways to see what’s actually happening on the ground.
Wildfire cameras — FAQ
What are wildfire cameras?
They’re fixed pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) cameras mounted on peaks and towers across fire-prone regions — most run by the ALERTCalifornia program at UC San Diego and partner ALERTWest networks. Crews and AI watch them around the clock to spot new ignitions, often before a 911 call.
How do I watch a fire camera near me?
Tap “Show cameras near me” (or enter an address) and this page loads the nearest online cameras, sorted by distance, with a live still from each. Tap any camera to open its full pan/tilt/zoom feed.
Are these live?
The stills on this page refresh automatically every several seconds. Opening a camera takes you to its full live feed. Coverage is strongest across California and much of the western U.S.
Can I rely on a camera to decide whether to evacuate?
No. Cameras are a powerful awareness tool but they have blind spots, can lag, and may be obscured by smoke or darkness. Always follow official evacuation orders from your local fire authority, Watch Duty, and call 911 in an emergency.