Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), visited Mont Alto State Park to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday.th Birthday.
The iconic spokesperson for wildfire prevention was officially “born” on August 9, 1944, when the USDA Forest Service and Ad Council developed the Wildfire Prevention Symbol. Since then, Smokey has been the focus of the longest-running and most successful public service advertising campaigns in U.S. history.
“Today we celebrate Smokey Bear and the impact his message has had on protecting our forests for 80 years,” said Minister Dunn. “Smokey’s example calls us all to be responsible stewards of our forests. We must continue to spread this message so that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of our forests.”
Smokey was originally created by artist Albert Staehle, who poured a bucket of water on a campfire and said, “Caution prevents 9 out of 10 fires.” In 1947, his slogan became the well-known “Only YOU can prevent forest fires!”
“Smokey’s message has been invaluable to firefighters in Pennsylvania and across the country who are tirelessly battling wildfires,” said Thomas Cook, state fire marshal. “We are proud to celebrate Smokey’s timeless message of responsibility. Prevention will always be the most effective tool we have to fight wildfires.”
Pennsylvania is typically at greatest risk for wildfires during the spring and fall months, with 99 percent of wildfires being caused by humans. DCNR urges residents to be aware of the factors that increase the risk of wildfires, including:
- An available fuel source, such as dried grass or leaves;
- Dry conditions, including low relative humidity;
- An ignition source that can start the fire, such as sparks from a car, machine exhaust, or burning garbage.
“Most wildfires are preventable, and we are here today to remind Pennsylvanians to be careful with fire, especially burning debris, the leading cause of wildfires in the Commonwealth,”,” said State Forester Seth Cassell. “We ask Pennsylvania residents to heed Smokey Bear’s message on wildfire prevention and to exercise caution when burning trash, lighting campfires, and in situations where there is a risk of accidental fires.”
