Written by: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
The iconic wildfire prevention advocate, Smokey Bear, recently celebrated his 80th Birthday at Mont Alto State Park.
Smokey was officially ‘born’ on Aug. 9, 1944, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and Ad Council developed the symbol for forest fire prevention. Since then, Smokey has been at the center of the longest running, and one of the most successful, public service advertising campaigns in U.S. history.
Smokey was initially brought to life by Artist Albert Staehle pouring a bucket of water on a campfire and saying, “Care will prevent 9 out of 10 fires.”
In 1947, his slogan became the familiar “Only YOU can prevent forest fires!”
Visit the department’s website for more information about wildfire danger maps, forecasts, and tips on reducing wildfire risks.
