Happy 80th Birthday Smokey Bear

The United States Forest Service (USFS) is celebrating the 80th birthday of Smokey Bear, their beloved and effective mascot, on Friday, August 9th, 2024 with multiple events in the South Lake Tahoe area.

To kick things off, the USFS is hosting a birthday celebration at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 8th, 2024 at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center northwest of South Lake Tahoe. Smokey will then appear at a meet-and-greet and guided hike at Heavenly Mountain Resort on Friday, August 9th, 2024.

Smokey's 80th birthday comes at an opportune time for the state of California . Summer 2024 hasn't been a historically bad fire season compared to recent years, but The Park Fire has made national headlines for its size and origin. As of August 8th, 2024, the fire has burned over 422,000 acres. It was started deliberately by an arsonist.

The Crozier Fire began burning northeast of Placerville, California on August 7th, 2024. Smoke is currently affecting the entirety of the Lake Tahoe area, and with northeasterly winds in the forecast, it might get worse before it gets better.

Some wildfires can't be prevented. Lightning strikes and other natural phenomenon are simply out of our control. With that said, there are countless fires that are started by humans who act irresponsibly. Notably, the Royal Fire was started near Soda Springs, California in July of 2024 by a rogue campfire that was lit during a fire ban.

Smokey was created by the USFS and the Ad Council in 1944 as a promotional character that would be used to increase wildfire education, and hopefully prevent fires.

According to Smokeybear.com , Artist Albert Staehle was the first to draw Smokey. The original depiction showed Smokey pouring a bucket of water on a campfire with the caption, “Care will prevent 9 out of 10 fires.”

Today, Smokey is one of the most recognizable characters in the country. Signs, billboards, and pamphlets feature him dressed in his never-faded blue jeans and ranger hat from coast to coast. Smokey's iconic slogan, "Only you can prevent wildfires," is recited and memorized by children and adults of all ages.

Whether you're traveling to Lake Tahoe to celebrate Smokey's 80th birthday or not, let's all take a moment to brush up on our forest fire safety and responsibility. It's what Smokey would want!

Related: Marmot Basin Updates Skiers Following Devastating Jasper, Canada Fires

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