Mapping apps are frequently designed to route drivers around traffic congestion, but in this case, they’re routing them to fire-affected areas, officials say.
Out-of-control wildfires are raging in and near Los Angeles.
Mapping apps, which are frequently designed to help users route around traffic, are in some cases reportedly directing drivers into fire-affected zones.
The Los Angeles Police Department is warning those in the area to cease using such apps.
Southern California residents and visitors fleeing the wildfires raging around Los Angeles are contending with a new problem — mapping apps that are reportedly directing them towards areas that are on fire.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is warning area residents and visitors that apps that offer driving directions are sometimes suggesting routes through regions that are ablaze, The Los Angeles Times reported.
Apps such as Waze and Google Maps take traffic into account when calculating routes and will often suggest that drivers take roads that appear less busy.
Tech: Mapping apps are reportedly directing people fleeing the Southern California wildfires to areas that are on fire
