Ring Fire Watch Brings AI-Powered Wildfire Alerts to Your Doorstep
Wildfires have become an increasingly urgent threat for many communities, and timely information can save lives. Ring’s new Fire Watch feature, unveiled at CES 2026, allows Ring camera owners to receive real-time alerts about nearby fires. By using AI detection and an optional community-sharing system, this feature provides crucial updates as fires develop, helping residents stay informed and safer.
How Fire Watch Detects Smoke and Flames
Fire Watch uses AI to analyze footage from outdoor Ring cameras for signs of smoke and flames. When a fire is detected, subscribers to Ring Protect receive instant alerts through the Ring or Neighbors app. This early-warning system allows users to take precautionary measures faster than traditional fire notifications, potentially reducing damage to property and increasing safety for people in the affected areas.
Community Sharing Amplifies Safety
A unique element of Fire Watch is its voluntary community contribution feature. During active wildfires, Ring owners in the affected zone can opt in to share camera snapshots with Watch Duty, a nonprofit that consolidates real-time fire information. These updates are then distributed to neighbors and emergency authorities, creating a dynamic, community-driven view of the fire’s spread. This collaborative approach makes local responses more efficient and informed.
Integration With Neighbors App
Ring’s Fire Watch is integrated directly into the Neighbors app, which acts as the central hub for alerts and shared footage. Users receive push notifications when Watch Duty identifies a fire, and can see live or recent snapshots from cameras in the area. This streamlined experience ensures residents stay aware without needing to navigate multiple apps or platforms.
Founder’s Personal Experience Shapes Innovation
Ring founder Jamie Siminoff draws from his own experience with wildfires. Last year, the Palisades fire destroyed the garage where Ring began. Siminoff emphasizes that having detailed, community-level information could significantly improve outcomes during emergencies. “Over 10,000 Ring cameras were in the fire zone, but authorities only had access to traffic cameras,” he notes. Fire Watch bridges this gap with hyper-local insights.
Early Access and Subscription Requirements
While Fire Watch is available for all Ring camera owners, some features—like AI smoke and flame detection—require a Ring Protect subscription. Opt-in sharing remains voluntary, ensuring privacy while still enabling community safety. This approach balances advanced technology with user control, letting households contribute only if they choose.
A Smarter Approach to Wildfire Preparedness
By combining AI detection, real-time alerts, and voluntary community contribution, Ring Fire Watch provides a next-generation tool for wildfire preparedness. As wildfires become more frequent and destructive, tools like this could make the difference between early action and disaster. Residents in fire-prone areas now have a new ally in their safety efforts—right on their doorstep.
Comment