DRAPER, Utah — The longest-running public service in the United States turns 80 today, August 9, 2024: Smokey Bear’s “Remember: Only YOU can prevent forest fires!”
It is a timeless message that has endured generations of Americans.
His message of fire prevention and his likeness were celebrated at the Draper Library, where hundreds of people of all ages gathered for an active birthday party.
“On Smokey’s 80th birthday, this is such a reminder of how timeless Smokey’s message is that only you can prevent wildfires,” said Sierra Hellstrom of the U.S. Forest Service. “We are the public who are recovering, we are the ones who are spending time on our public lands, out in our motor vehicles, and that timeless message that you are the person who can make a difference here on his birthday is worth it.”
The event included a story time, a history lesson on Smokey’s beginnings and giveaways. The popular mascot was also on hand to share his birthday cake.
How exactly did Smokey Bear become a symbol of fire prevention?
The Smokey Bear cartoon and public display first appeared in 1944 as part of a larger wildfire prevention program during World War II. Experienced firefighters and other able-bodied men and women were deployed in the war effort. To aid domestic fire prevention efforts, the Forest Service came up with the idea of Smokey Bear and his message of encouraging communities to fight wildfires as best they could.
However, the story of the real Smokey Bear began in 1950 in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. Smokey was still a cub when he was rescued from a forest fire by firefighters who had been sent to the mountains to fight fires.
The story of the little boy’s recovery spread across the country and he quickly gained a following. Smokey was then turned over to the Forest Service, with the understanding that Smokey would be officially assigned to public outreach for wildfire prevention.
After the Forest Service took custody of the animal, Smokey found a home at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Even though the real Smokey only lived until 1976, his message and image will never be forgotten.
“The only two people in the United States who have their own zip code are the President of the United States and Smokey Bear,” Hellstrom added.
By the way, Smokey’s official name doesn’t have a “the” in the middle. It was added in 1952 for the rhythm in the song “Smokey the Bear,” written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins.
