HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — For nearly 100 years, Smokey Bear has been a tool used to teach Americans about the importance of preventing wildfires. Today, he celebrates his 81st birthday!
‘Born’ on Aug. 9, 1944, Smokey was created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service to help the public understand the importance of preventing a wildfire.
His iconic phrase, “Remember, only you can prevent forest fires,” was not created until three years later in 1947.
Smokey was so popular that, because of the thousands of letters he received throughout the years, in 1964, he was given a personalized zip code. You can still write to him at Smokey Bear, Washington, D.C. 20252.
In 1950, a real-life black bear cub was orphaned after a wildfire in New Mexico displaced it. After being found and cared for, the cub was named Smokey, making him a living symbol of the dangers of wildfires.
In the spirit of Smokey’s birthday, here are a few tips on how to prevent a wildfire:
- Keep a close eye on campfires and make sure to extinguish them before you leave
- Choose a safe spot when burning trash, making sure it’s not windy or the grass is not too dry
- Sparks from lawn mowers can start wildfires, so make sure to check your equipment regularly.
For a more detailed list, you can visit the Smokey Bear website.
Happy birthday, Smokey!
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