We’ve all heard the iconic phrase: “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.” For 80 years, Smokey Bear has been the beloved mascot of the U.S. Forest Service, spreading the message of fire prevention. And even after all these years, Smokey’s message is as vital as ever.
Smokey made his first appearance on a wildfire prevention poster in August 1944, though his original catchphrase was slightly different: “Care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires.” It wasn’t until three years later that the familiar slogan we know today was introduced. But it wasn’t just the posters that made Smokey a national symbol; it was a real-life bear that brought him to life.
In 1950, a young black bear cub was found orphaned after a wildfire in New Mexico. The Forest Service took in the cub with the promise that he would be “dedicated to conservation.” Named Smokey Bear, the cub became the living embodiment of wildfire prevention, spending the rest of his life at the National Zoo.
Fast forward to 2024, and the need for Smokey’s message is as pressing as ever. So far this year, 29,871 fires have burned nearly 4.9 million acres across the U.S., according to the National Interagency Fire Center. As Smokey Bear celebrates his milestone birthday, it’s a poignant reminder that we all have a part to play in protecting our environment from the devastating effects of wildfires.
Celebrate Smokey’s legacy today by watching his latest PSA and remembering that fire prevention is a responsibility we all share.
