Fire Evac, Wildland Fire

How to use Google Maps in a Wildland Fire

Google maps will work on your phone just like any other GPS device if you follow a couple of simple steps. The best time to do these steps is before you leave your house when you have a good internet connection.

Step 1

Put the address of Staging or the general Fire location in the Search Bar.

Google Maps updated its search bar, it's now pill shaped instead of square.  I wonder if all apps will get this updated design for their search bars,  like gmail is still square.

Step 2

Use the drop down menu. This can be accessed by pressing your icon pic on the right side of the Search Bar or the 3 horizontal lines on the left side, depending on the version you are using.

  • Select Offline maps
  • SELECT YOUR OWN MAP
  • Adjust the map to capture where you think the Fire will be
  • Repeat the process if you need a additional areas saved

Step 3

Use the drop down menu again.

  • Select Settings
  • Turn on Wi-Fi Only

This step will turn off traffic information and keep Google Maps from routing you around Road Closures.

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