Smokey Bear Celebrates 80th Birthday

Today, Smokey Bear celebrates eight decades of educating Americans about the role they play in preventing unwanted human-caused wildfires. From his origins during World War II when fears of incendiary shells led to his emergence as a symbol of fire prevention, Smokey’s “Only You” message has since become ingrained into American culture through thousands of posters, radio ads, TV spots, billboards, and merchandise. To honor 80 years of Smokey Bear, the USDA Forest Service (USFS), the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), FCB New York and the Ad Council are inviting the public to join Smokey’s birthday celebrations and be part of his wildfire prevention legacy.