Smokey Bear celebrates 80 years of wildfire prevention
Aug 9, 2024, 4:00 PM
A Smokey Bear "Very High" fire danger sign is posted at the entrance to Griffith Park in Los Angeles. (Associated Press A Smokey Bear "Very High" fire danger sign is posted at the entrance to Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
DRAPER, Utah — Smokey Bear celebrated his 80th birthday today at an event at the County Library in Draper.
Hundreds of people showed up to get a photo with the iconic mascot, do some crafts, collect fun fire-safety swag and learn about wildfire prevention.
Six-year-old Jesse said he learned how to put out fires at today’s event.
“So, put water on them and put sand,” he said.
Sierra Hellstrom of the U.S. Forest Service said Smokey Bear started his mission in 1944.
“We were seeing an increase in human-caused fires and noticed that nine out of 10 fires were being started by humans. So, they started a campaign with posters of a little bear teaching people how they could prevent fires,” Hellstrom said.
Smokey Bear changes call to action over years
According to Hellstrom, Smokey’s message has changed over the decades from, “Only you can prevent forest fires” to, “Only you can prevent wildfires.” She said 80 years ago, they saw more fire started by campfires. But now the Forest Service deal with vehicle-maintenance fires as the biggest concern.
