Disclaimer
Important limitations regarding wildfire data accuracy, emergency use, and service reliability
CRITICAL EMERGENCY NOTICE
This platform provides wildfire detection information for situational awareness ONLY. In any life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. Always follow official evacuation orders and emergency instructions from local authorities. Do not rely solely on this service for emergency decision-making.
General Disclaimer
Eye on the Fire provides wildfire tracking and safety information as a public service. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, this service has inherent limitations and should not be used as the sole source for emergency decision-making.
By using this service, you acknowledge and accept these limitations and agree to use the information responsibly.
Data Accuracy and Limitations
Satellite Detection Limitations
Our fire detection data comes primarily from NASA's FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System), which uses satellite imagery to detect thermal anomalies. This system has significant limitations:
Time Delays
Fire detection data can be delayed by 3-12 hours depending on satellite pass times and data processing. Fast-moving fires may not appear until hours after ignition.
Weather Interference
Clouds, heavy smoke, and atmospheric conditions can prevent satellites from detecting fires, resulting in gaps in coverage during critical periods.
Size Thresholds
Satellites can only detect fires above certain size thresholds. Small fires, spot fires, and fires in their early stages may not be detected.
False Positives
The system may detect other heat sources as fires, including industrial facilities, gas flares, volcanoes, and reflected sunlight.
Geographic Limitations
Satellite coverage varies by location. Some remote areas may have limited or delayed coverage, especially at high latitudes.
Extinguished Fires
The system may continue to show fires that have been extinguished, as satellite data reflects conditions from hours earlier.
Emergency Use Limitations
NOT AN EMERGENCY SERVICE
Eye on the Fire is not an emergency service provider and cannot:
- Provide real-time emergency response
- Issue official evacuation orders
- Replace communication with emergency services
- Guarantee current fire conditions
- Provide professional emergency advice
Critical Decision-Making Warning
Do not base life-safety decisions solely on information from this platform. Fire conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. Wind shifts, weather changes, and fire behavior can create dangerous situations within minutes that may not be reflected in satellite data.
Official Sources for Emergency Information
Always consult official sources for emergency information:
- 911 Emergency Services - Immediate emergency response
- Local Fire Departments - Current fire status and evacuation orders
- County Emergency Management - Official alerts and instructions
- National Weather Service - Weather warnings and fire danger
- CAL FIRE (California) or state fire agencies - Official fire information
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) - Official mobile alerts
- Local Media - Emergency broadcasts and updates
Service Availability and Reliability
No Guarantee of Service
We cannot guarantee uninterrupted service availability. The platform may be unavailable due to:
- Technical failures or maintenance
- Third-party service disruptions (NASA FIRMS, mapping services)
- Network connectivity issues
- High traffic during emergency situations
- Cyber attacks or security incidents
- Natural disasters affecting infrastructure
Data Source Dependencies
Third-Party Data Dependencies
Our service relies on external data sources that are beyond our control:
- NASA FIRMS: Primary fire detection data source
- NOAA: Weather and atmospheric data
- USGS: Geographic and satellite imagery
- OpenStreetMap: Mapping and location services
- State/Local Agencies: Regional fire information
Disruptions to any of these sources may affect our service quality and data availability.
Geographic and Location Disclaimers
Location Accuracy
- GPS Limitations: Device location may be inaccurate, especially indoors or in areas with poor satellite reception
- Address Geocoding: Address-to-coordinate conversion may contain errors or be outdated
- Map Accuracy: Underlying map data may contain inaccuracies or be outdated
- Coordinate Systems: Minor variations in coordinate system interpretations may affect precision
Coverage Areas
While our platform provides global fire detection capabilities, coverage quality varies:
- Primary Coverage: United States (especially California) with enhanced features
- Secondary Coverage: Other countries with satellite coverage
- Limited Coverage: Polar regions, some remote areas, and locations with restricted data access
Health and Safety Disclaimers
Medical and Safety Advice
Information provided about wildfire safety, evacuation procedures, and emergency preparedness is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical or safety advice.
- Consult with medical professionals for health-related emergency planning
- Follow guidance from certified emergency management professionals
- Consider individual health conditions and mobility limitations in emergency planning
- Seek professional training for emergency response techniques
Physical and Mental Health Considerations
Wildfire emergencies can cause significant stress and health impacts:
- Smoke exposure can cause serious respiratory problems
- Evacuation stress can trigger existing medical conditions
- Property loss and displacement can cause mental health impacts
- Emergency situations may require immediate medical attention
Technology and Accessibility Limitations
Device and Browser Compatibility
Our service may not function optimally on all devices or browsers:
- Older browsers may not support all features
- Mobile devices may have limited functionality
- Slow internet connections may affect real-time updates
- Some accessibility features may not be available on all platforms
Accessibility Limitations
While we strive to make our service accessible, some limitations may exist for users with disabilities. We are committed to ongoing improvements in accessibility compliance.
Legal and Liability Limitations
Limitation of Liability
Eye on the Fire, LLC and its affiliates shall not be liable for any damages, losses, injuries, or deaths resulting from:
- Reliance on information provided by this service
- Delays or inaccuracies in fire detection data
- Service outages or technical failures
- Emergency response decisions based on our information
- Property damage or loss related to wildfire events
Jurisdictional Variations
Emergency procedures, fire danger levels, and evacuation protocols vary by jurisdiction. Users are responsible for understanding and following local emergency procedures and regulations.
Commercial and Advertising Disclaimers
Advertising Relationships
Our platform may display advertisements from emergency preparedness retailers and other partners. These commercial relationships:
- Do not influence our fire detection data or safety recommendations
- Are clearly marked as advertisements
- Link to third-party websites with their own terms and policies
- Help support our free service to the public
Product Recommendations
Any emergency preparedness products or services mentioned are for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the effectiveness or suitability of any products for your specific situation.
Updates and Changes
This disclaimer may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our service, technology, or legal requirements. Users are encouraged to review this disclaimer regularly.
Last Updated: January 1, 2025
Remember: Emergency Situations
Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening emergency.
Follow official evacuation orders and emergency instructions from local authorities.
Have multiple sources of emergency information and communication.
Develop and practice emergency evacuation plans with your family.
Questions About This Disclaimer
If you have questions about this disclaimer or our service limitations, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Subject Line: "Disclaimer Inquiry"
- Response Time: We respond to inquiries within 5 business days
For emergency situations, do not contact us. Call 911 immediately.