Privacy Policy

Last Updated: May 16, 2025

EyeOnTheFire ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share information when you use our website and services, including our interactive wildfire map application ("the App"). The App uses Google Sign-In and Google APIs to provide authentication and location-based services. This policy complies with the Google API Services User Data Policy and applicable privacy laws.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information when you use the App:

• Google Account Information: When you sign in with Google, we collect your email address and basic profile information (e.g., name) with your consent via Google Sign-In. This data is used to authenticate you and personalize your experience.
• Location Data: If you use the "Locate Me" feature or enter a zip code, we collect your approximate location (latitude and longitude) to display relevant wildfire data. Location data is obtained via your browser’s geolocation API or through Google APIs for zip code searches.
• Usage Data: We collect anonymized data about how you interact with the App, such as pages visited, features used, and session duration, to improve our services.
• Device Information: We collect information about your device, including browser type, operating system, and IP address, to ensure compatibility and enhance security.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Authentication: Your Google Account information is used to verify your identity and provide secure access to the App.
• Service Delivery: Location data is used to display wildfire information relevant to your area and to center the map based on your searches or geolocation.
• Improvement: Usage and device data help us analyze performance, fix bugs, and enhance the App’s functionality.
• Security: We use device information to detect and prevent unauthorized access or fraudulent activity.

We limit our use of Google user data to the practices disclosed in this Privacy Policy, as required by Google’s API Services User Data Policy.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or transfer your personal information to third parties except as described below:

• Service Providers: We share data with trusted third-party service providers (e.g., hosting providers, analytics services) who assist us in operating the App. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the purposes we specify.
• Google APIs: When you use Google Sign-In or zip code search, your data is processed by Google in accordance with their Privacy Policy. We do not control Google’s data handling practices.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, such as in response to a court order or to comply with legal obligations.

We do not share Google user data with third parties for advertising, data brokering, or any purposes beyond what is disclosed in this policy.

4. Data Protection

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your data, including:

• Encryption of data in transit using HTTPS.
• Secure storage of authentication tokens and user data.
• Regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.

While we strive to protect your information, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your data only for as long as necessary to provide the App’s services or comply with legal obligations:

• Google Account Information: Retained until you revoke access via your Google Account settings or request deletion.
• Location Data: Retained only for the duration of your session and deleted afterward.
• Usage and Device Data: Retained in anonymized form for up to 12 months for analytics purposes.

You can request deletion of your data by contacting us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days and delete your data unless required for legal purposes.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction (e.g., EU, UK, California), you may have the following rights regarding your data:

• Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data.
• Restriction: Request we limit processing of your data.
• Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format.

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We verify requests by confirming your identity via your Google Account.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for authentication and App functionality.
• Analytics Cookies: Used to collect anonymized usage data (e.g., via Google Analytics).

You can manage cookies via your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect the App’s functionality.

8. Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites, such as Google’s services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before providing personal information.

9. Children’s Privacy

The App is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have such data, contact us at [email protected].

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via email or a prominent notice in the App. The updated policy will be effective when posted.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:

Email: [email protected]
Address: EyeOnTheFire, 123 FireWatch Lane, San Francisco, CA 94105