Smokey Bear's 80th Birthday in 2024: catch him at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in July and August

Photo byDavid TrinksonUnsplash

You might remember the first time you heard about Smokey Bear when you were growing up. Of course, we always heard, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires." Visit here for all the information you might have missed about Smokey Bear.

I spent the first few years of my life living in Idaho and there were a lot of beautiful forests there. We would find campgrounds and places to go fishing around Idaho and since we weren't too far from Yellowstone National Park, we would go there too. While there, I had my first experience of seeing a bear.

Smokey Bear began as an American campaign in 1944. He's an advertising icon for the U.S. Forest Service associated with a Wildfire Prevention Campaign. It's supposed to be the longest-running public service announcement campaign in our country's history.

We all know what fire can do, especially in light of what we hear about what goes on in California or other states. In Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) works with fire departments to help get fires put out.

Photo bySmokey Bear via Facebook.

According to the MDC, the chief cause of fires is the improper burning of debris. You can always contact your fire department to see if there is a ban on burning. It's also sad to learn that 4% of Missouri's wildfires are due to arson.

Do not conduct outdoor burning when humidity is low, weather is windy, and grasses, brush, and other fire fuel are dry. These conditions make fires nearly impossible to control. (Source.)

Because we have so many trees in our yard, we always have branches or limbs due to storms. We have a firepit in our backyard for burning, but we never use it when it's too hot or if there's any breeze or wind.

Also, if you're a smoker, put your cigarette out responsibly. Don't throw a lit one out your car window while driving.

As far as making campfires, the MDC indicates to never start a fire with a flammable liquid. You also want to keep a bucket of water nearby and some kind of equipment like a shovel in case you have to put it out, especially if you don't have a fire extinguisher handy. Of course, if you're near a fire getting out of control, call 911.

This year during the 2024 Ozark Empire Fair, the MDC wants you to come out to celebrate Smokey Bear's birthday. Smokey will be at the Department of Conservation's building to the west of the fairgrounds.

Smokey Bear will be on site from 6:30 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m. for picture taking on July 25, July 27, July 31, and August 2. According to 13 KRCG, the staff can use your cell phone or other camera device to your photos. The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds is at 3001 N. Grant Avenue, Springfield, Missouri.

By the way, your children can write to Smokey Bear at the following address:

Smokey Bear
Washington, D.C. 20252

Thanks for reading!