Google Maps and Search expand wildfire tracking to 15 countries

2 min readUpdated May 20, 2025Jul 31, 20245:45 AM

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Google Maps and Search are expanding their wildfire tracking features to 15 new countries across Europe and Africa, bringing the total to 22 countries where users can access this potentially life-saving information. This update comes after the successful implementation of wildfire boundaries and information in regions like the US, Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

The newly added countries include popular tourist destinations and regions prone to wildfires:

Andorra
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Croatia
Cyprus
France
Greece
Italy
Kenya
Monaco
Montenegro
Portugal
Rwanda
Slovenia
Spain
Turkey

Google’s AI-powered wildfire tracking has already proven its worth by mapping over 40 wildfires in Southern Europe this summer. By providing wildfire boundaries and information in Search and Maps, as well as sending out notifications, Google aims to complement existing on-the-ground efforts to help people access crucial information and stay safe during wildfire events.

In just the first week of July, an estimated 1.4 million people utilized Google’s wildfire information, demonstrating the significant impact this feature can have in regions experiencing wildfires. Users in affected areas can receive alerts through notifications on their phones, as well as while using driving directions in Google Maps.

This expansion of Google’s wildfire tracking features is a welcome development, providing valuable information to a wider range of users and potentially contributing to greater safety and awareness during wildfire events. By leveraging AI and existing infrastructure, Google continues to demonstrate its commitment to utilizing technology for the greater good.

The inclusion of Kenya and Rwanda in the list of countries with wildfire tracking is particularly noteworthy, as these regions often face unique challenges in terms of wildfire management and access to information. By expanding its wildfire tracking capabilities to these countries, Google is helping to address a critical need and potentially saving lives.

Furthermore, the ability to access wildfire information through Google Maps and Search can be especially beneficial for travelers, as it allows them to stay informed and plan their routes accordingly. By providing real-time updates on wildfire locations and boundaries, Google can help travelers avoid dangerous areas and make informed decisions about their itineraries.

Overall, Google’s expansion of wildfire tracking features is a significant step forward in the fight against wildfires. By providing accessible and up-to-date information to a wider audience, Google is empowering people to stay safe and protect their communities.

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What this means

Google's expansion of wildfire tracking features across 15 new countries uses existing infrastructure to deliver a vital, publicly beneficial service. This strategic move strengthens the utility of Maps and Search, particularly for travelers and residents in affected areas, directly addressing a critical safety need. Unlike Apple's collaboration with Google on Gemini AI, which focuses on core product enhancements, this initiative shows Google's commitment to social utility, potentially pressuring rivals to integrate similar public safety tools. The low-cost, high-impact nature of this AI-driven feature positions Google strongly, enhancing brand perception and user loyalty. The risk lies mainly in maintaining accuracy and timely updates across diverse regions. We should monitor the integration of similar public safety features across competitor mapping applications.

Rajiv Menon · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

Which specific countries have received the expanded wildfire tracking features?

The newly added countries for wildfire tracking are Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Kenya, Monaco, Montenegro, Portugal, Rwanda, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey.

How many countries in total now have access to Google's wildfire tracking features?

With this expansion, a total of 22 countries now offer users access to Google's wildfire tracking features. This includes the 15 newly added countries and previously covered regions.

What is the benefit of including Kenya and Rwanda in the wildfire tracking expansion?

Including Kenya and Rwanda is noteworthy as these regions often face unique challenges in wildfire management and information access. The expansion helps address a critical need and potentially saves lives there.

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