Posted: October 27, 2024 | Industry News
For over eight decades, Smokey Bear has been a stalwart guardian of our nation’s wildlands, educating Americans on the critical importance of wildfire prevention. With his iconic hat, belt, and memorable catchphrase, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” Smokey Bear remains one of the most enduring and recognizable figures in public service advertising. As we celebrate Smokey’s 80th birthday, it’s a perfect time to reflect on his legacy, his origins, and the continued relevance of his message in today’s world.
Smokey Bear’s story begins during a tumultuous time in American history—World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the fear of enemy attacks on U.S. soil became a real concern. In early 1942, Japanese submarines surfaced off the coast of California and fired upon oil fields near Los Padres National Forest, sparking fears of widespread wildfires that could devastate the region. With many firefighters and able-bodied men serving overseas, protecting America’s forests became a national priority.
In response, the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) program was created by the Forest Service in partnership with the War Advertising Council and the National Association of State Foresters. To rally the public, they needed a symbol that could resonate with Americans of all ages. After experimenting with various slogans and images, the success of using an animal as a symbol was demonstrated by a 1944 campaign featuring characters from Disney’s “Bambi.” However, as the campaign was only temporary, a new, permanent mascot was needed—and thus, Smokey Bear was born.
Smokey made his debut on August 9, 1944, in a poster by artist Albert Staehle. The first image of Smokey showed him dousing a campfire with a bucket of water, accompanied by the message, “Smokey says – Care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires.” His character quickly gained popularity, and by 1952, Smokey was officially protected by an act of Congress, ensuring his image would be used solely for wildfire prevention efforts.
One of the most heartwarming chapters in Smokey’s history occurred in 1950 when a real bear cub, who had been badly burned in a wildfire in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico, was rescued by firefighters. This orphaned cub, later named Smokey, became the living symbol of wildfire prevention, capturing the hearts of people across the nation. Smokey the cub was taken to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where he lived until his death in 1976. His legacy lives on at the Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, New Mexico, where he was laid to rest.
Over the years, Smokey’s message has evolved to address the changing landscape of wildfire prevention. Originally, Smokey’s catchphrase was “Smokey says – Care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires.” In 1947, it was updated to “Remember… Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires,” and in 2001, it was further refined to “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.” This change was made to encompass all unwanted, human-caused fires, including those in grasslands and other natural areas, not just forests.
Despite these changes, Smokey’s core message has remained the same: human carelessness is a leading cause of wildfires, and each of us has a role to play in preventing them. Whether it’s properly extinguishing campfires, avoiding the use of fireworks in dry areas, or being cautious with outdoor equipment, Smokey’s advice is as crucial today as it was in 1944.
In North Carolina, where over 4,500 wildfires occur annually, Smokey’s message is especially pertinent. Nearly 99% of these fires are caused by human activity, including careless debris burning, escaped campfires, and improper use of machinery. As part of the ongoing efforts to promote wildfire safety, the North Carolina Forest Service continues to celebrate Smokey Bear not just on his birthday, but throughout the year.
Earlier this year, during the Got To Be NC Festival, the North Carolina Forest Service held a special birthday celebration for Smokey. The event featured Smokey-themed prizes, a birthday banner signed by festival-goers, and a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” led by N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler. Smokey’s presence will also be felt at the 2024 N.C. State Fair, where the Forest Service plans to launch a new campfire safety program to reinforce Smokey’s mission.
But you don’t have to wait for a special event to connect with Smokey and his message. Educational state forests across North Carolina offer ranger-led programs that highlight wildfire prevention, and local NCFS county rangers are always available to bring Smokey to schools and community groups.
As Smokey Bear turns 80, his commitment to wildfire prevention remains steadfast. His timeless message reminds us that our actions matter and that by being vigilant and responsible, we can help protect our precious wildlands. In honor of this milestone, the Ad Council, the National Association of State Foresters, and the U.S. Forest Service have released a new public service announcement, available on YouTube, to spread Smokey’s message to a new generation.
Smokey Bear has spent 80 years educating the public, and his work is far from over. As North Carolinians and Americans alike, it’s up to us to heed Smokey’s call. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just enjoying the great outdoors, remember: “Only you can prevent wildfires.”
For more information on wildfire prevention and to connect with your local North Carolina Forest Service office, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts. To learn more about Smokey Bear and his ongoing efforts, check out www.smokeybear.com. Let’s celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday by recommitting to his cause—because every small action makes a big difference in the fight against wildfires.