Smokey Bear celebrates 75th Birthday

Smokey Bear, one of the most well-known icons in advertising history, is turning 75 on Friday, August 9. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Smokey is starring in a new round of public service advertisements (PSAs) to further his famous message, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.” First launched in 1944, the Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running and one of the most successful PSA campaigns in American history. While it began three-quarters of a century ago, and great strides have been made in preventing human-caused wildfires, Smokey Bear’s message is as important as ever.  Nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by people, and it’s always wildfire season in the United States – not just in the West or during the summer months. You may be surprised by the most common ways human-caused wildfires start. In many states, backyard debris burning and improperly extinguished campfires and firepits are the leading ignitions for unwanted human-caused wildfires. Arson and sparks from dragging chains and operating equipment without spark arrestors are also leading causes. The new campaign advertisements from the Ad Council, the USDA Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters celebrate Smokey’s 75th birthday and encourage everyone to visit smokeybear.com where they can learn safety tips, like how to properly build and put out campfires, and access Smokey content from past to present.