This year marks the 80th birthday of America’s favorite bear.
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has inspired Americans of all ages to protect our forests with fire safety tips. For decades, children and adults alike have taken to heart his iconic tagline – “Only YOU can prevent wildfires.”
As America’s longest-running PSA campaign for eight decades, Smokey has become a cultural icon and an essential pillar in protecting our nation’s wildlands.
What began as a helpful illustrated bear providing fire safety tips took on a deeper meaning in 1950 when the U.S. Forest Service rescued an orphaned black bear cub following a devastating fire in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. The cub, who had been burned, was nursed back to health. After his recovery, he found his permanent home with the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C.
In 1952, an Act of Congress officially established the character of Smokey Bear under the control of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Act also established a fine for any unauthorized person(s) to use the name or character, with these fines going to support the forest fire prevention campaign.
The original Smokey Bear served as the first living symbol of forest fire prevention and was officially retired in May 1975.
How YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires
In West Virginia, our state foresters understand the importance of fire prevention. They train year-round to be prepared to fight any type of wildfire that may occur. Today, the Division of Forestry protects nearly 12 million acres of forestland across West Virginia.
But you don’t have to be a forester to protect our forests. West Virginians of all ages can take ownership of Smokey’s mission by taking these simple steps:
- Know the state burn laws. In West Virginia, Spring and Fall Fire Seasons run between March 1 and May 31 and October 1 and December 31. During these times, burning is not allowed from 7 a.m. through 5 p.m.
- Know the Division of Forestry’s Fire Burning Guidelines.
- Take the weather into account. Never burn in windy conditions.
- Before you go camping, check the Wildfire Danger Map.
- Make sure your fire has a safety strip or ring around it.
- Always fully extinguish your fire.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Teach your children about the importance of preventing wildfires.
You can also take advantage of the Smokey Bear campaign, which includes fun and educational resources for kids. Download the following:
- Friends of Smokey Bear Workbook
- The True Story of Smokey Bear Comic Book
- Smokey Bear Coloring Sheet
- Smokey Bear Coloring Book
- and more here!
Remember, only YOU can prevent wildfires.
The Division of Forestry protects nearly 12 million acres of forestland across West Virginia. For more information on fire safety and programs like forest legacy, logging and landowner assistance, visit wvforestry.com.
