Smokey Bear woke up early on his 80th birthday to meet Ryan and Joey at Daybreak. The crew celebrated Smokey Bear’s importance and legacy and learned about wildfire safety and prevention.
Smokey’s wildfire prevention and awareness campaign is the longest-running public service campaign in United States history. It began during World War II, when most experienced firefighters were sent overseas. With fewer firefighters, preventing wildfires before they could start was of paramount importance.
The Forest Service was looking for a mascot for the campaign. They were inspired by Disney, who was having success with its cartoon animals at the time, and on August 9, 1944, Smokey Bear was born.
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Albert Staehle
MTN met with Chiara Cipriano, spokesperson for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, to discuss Smokey Bear’s impact on fire prevention over the past 80 years.
“I mean, Smokey Bear is so iconic. Everyone recognizes who Smokey is from a young age. Either with the Smokey ABC or with always being careful with fire or just growing up seeing his face when they go into the National Forest…” Cipriano said.
Level 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The following activities are prohibited within forest boundaries:
- Lighting, maintaining or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside of a metal fire ring provided by the Forest Service.
- Smoking is permitted except in enclosed vehicles or buildings, on a recreational site, or when stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is bare or free of combustible material.
To learn more about Smokey Bear and his mission, visit this link.
Be sure to check local fire regulations before rebuilding.
And remember: only YOU can prevent forest fires!
