Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, recently visited Mont Alto State Park to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th 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.
“Only YOU can prevent forest fires!”
“Today we celebrate Smokey Bear and the impact his message has had on protecting our forests for 80 years,” Dunn said. “Smokey’s example challenges all of us 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.”
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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. The Shapiro administration reminds Pennsylvania residents that 99 percent of wildfires in the state are caused by humans. DCNR urges residents to be aware of the factors that increase the risk of wildfires, including:
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An available fuel source, such as dried grass or leaves.
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Dry conditions, including low relative humidity.
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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 our state,” said State Forester Seth Cassell. “We ask Pennsylvanians to heed Smokey Bear’s message on wildfire prevention and to be cautious when burning trash, lighting campfires and in situations where there is a risk of accidental fires.”
For more information on wildfire hazard maps, forecasts, and tips for reducing wildfire risk, visit the DCNR website.
What happened to a real bear named Smokey?
Smokey Bear’s story has an interesting history that includes a time when a real bear embodied the message of wildfire prevention. In the spring of 1950, a young bear cub was caught in a forest fire in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. The bear cub climbed a tree to survive the fire, but still suffered severe burns. The firefighters who rescued him were so touched by his bravery that they named him Smokey.
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News of this real bear spread across the country, and he soon found a new home at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. He served as a living symbol of Smokey Bear and played an important role in spreading messages about wildfire prevention. Smokey died in 1976 and was returned to New Mexico, where he was buried at what is now called Smokey Bear Historical Park.
This article originally appeared in the Waynesboro Record Herald: Smokey Bear celebrated at Mont Alto State Park
