Smokey Bear gets 80th birthday party at Mont Alto State Park

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently visited Mont Alto State Park to celebrate Smokey Bear ’s 80th birthday.

The iconic wildfire prevention spokesperson was officially “born” Aug. 9, 1944, when the USDA 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.

‘Only YOU can prevent forest fires!’

“Today we celebrate Smokey Bear and the impact his message has had in protecting our forests for 80 years,” Dunn said. “The example Smokey has set forth is one that challenges us all to be responsible stewards of our forests, which is a message we must continue to push so that future generations can have access to the benefits our forests provide.”

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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!”

“Smokey’s message has been invaluable to the firefighters in Pennsylvania and across the nation who tirelessly battle wildfires,” State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook said. “We are proud to celebrate Smokey’s timeless message of responsibility. Prevention will always be the most effective tool we have at our disposal to fight wildfires.”

Pennsylvania typically sees its greatest threat of wildfires in the spring and autumn months. The Shapiro administration reminds Pennsylvanians that 99 percent of the state's wildfires are caused by people. DCNR is encouraging residents to understand the factors that increase the risk of wildfires including:

• An available fuel source, such as dried grass or leaves.
• Dry conditions, including low relative humidity.
• An ignition source to start the fire, such as sparks from automobile, machine exhaust or burning trash.

“Most wildfires are preventable, and we are here today to remind Pennsylvanians to be careful with fire, especially debris burning, the number one cause of wildfires in the commonwealth,” State Forester Seth Cassell said. “We ask that Pennsylvanians adhere to Smokey Bear’s wildfire prevention message and take a mindful approach to burning trash, building campfires and in situations where there is a risk of unwanted burning.”

Visit DCNR’s website for more information about wildfire danger maps, forecasts, and tips on reducing wildfire risks.

What happened to a real bear named Smokey?

Smokey Bear’s lore has an interesting bit of history that includes a time where a real bear represented the wildfire prevention message. In the spring of 1950, a young bear cub was caught in a forest fire in the in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. The bear cub climbed a tree to survive the blaze but was still badly burned. Firefighters who retrieved him were so moved by his bravery, they named him Smokey.

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News about this real bear spread across the nation and he was soon given a new home at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. He served as the living symbol of Smokey Bear and played an important role in spreading messages of wildfire prevention. Smokey died in 1976 and was returned to New Mexico, where he was buried at what is now called Smokey Bear Historical Park.

This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: Smokey Bear gets 80th birthday party at Mont Alto State Park