KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Smokey Bear is one of the most recognizable faces when it comes to wildfire prevention, and now he’s 80 years old.
The figure was modeled after a real bear.
In the 1950s, firefighters rescued a bear from a forest fire in New Mexico. They named him Smokey.
Today he is the face of the longest-running public fire protection program in the country.
Cody Daniels of the Cherokee National Forest said nine out of 10 forest fires are caused by humans.
Last week they celebrated the bear, saying this was the perfect time to highlight his message.
“We want to celebrate Smokey’s birthday in style, but also urge the public to remain vigilant around fires, especially campfires and when camping in the woods, to prevent fires that may break out in the forest,” Daniels said.
Smokey has five rules for preventing wildfires:
- Only you can prevent forest fires
- Always be careful with fire
- Never play with matches or lighters
- Always keep an eye on your campfire
- Always make sure your campfire is extinguished before leaving it
“You should keep stoking your campfire,” Daniels said. “Put plenty of water on it, stir it, and put the fire out to make sure it’s completely out before you leave.”
You can also prevent the spread of fires by taking care to leave no trace when visiting national parks and wildlife refuges.
“That would be a huge help in protecting our public lands,” he said. “When you use our public lands, clean up your trash. If you brought it with you, please take it back with you. Bring your trash back with you.”
To celebrate this occasion, forest officials planned an event.
It starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Indian Boundary Beach Pavilion.
There will be games and activities for children. The first 200 participants will receive a Smokey’s 80th birthday button.
Smokey Bear will be there to cut the cake.
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