DRAPER, Utah — Smokey Bear celebrated his 80th birthday today at an event at the County Library in Draper.
Hundreds of people came to take a photo with the iconic mascot, do crafts, collect cool fire safety items and learn about wildfire prevention.
Six-year-old Jesse said he learned how to put out fires at today’s event.
“So, pour water on it and sprinkle sand on top,” he said.
Sierra Hellstrom of the U.S. Forest Service said Smokey Bear began his mission in 1944.
“We saw an increase in human-caused fires and found that nine out of 10 fires were caused by humans. So they started a campaign with posters of a little bear teaching people how to prevent fires,” Hellstrom said.
Smokey Bear changes the call to action over the years
Hellstrom said Smokey’s message has changed over the decades from “Only you can prevent forest fires” to “Only you can prevent wildfires.” She said 80 years ago, more fires were caused by campfires. But today, fires caused by vehicle maintenance are the Forest Service’s biggest concern.
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