Smokey Bear Celebrates 80th Birthday with New PSA Honoring His Legacy of Wildfire Prevention

Since 1944 Smokey Bearamp8217s wildfire prevention campaign has been singular in focus to educate the American public on how to prevent unwanted humancaused wildfires through individual actions Even after 80 years his message is as important as ever with nearly 9 out of 10 unwanted wildfires caused by humansDeveloped pro bono by FCB the creative agency behind Smokey Bear since his 1944 introduction amp8220Decadesamp8221 ushers viewers through time to experience the generational impact of Smokeyamp8217s empowering message The film revisits five previous decades to consider some of Smokeyamp8217s important lessons like how to safely build a fire or what to do with hot coals showing that we all invoke Smokey Bear and honor his legacy when we act responsibly in the outdoors to prevent unwanted wildfiresWATCH THE NEW PSA amp8220DECADESamp8221 HERE httpsyoutubeuslLV343id4amp8220Smokey and his iconic message amp8216only you can prevent wildfiresamp8217 has been heard and heeded by countless Americans for generationsamp8221 said Mandy Scott USDA Forest Service National Wildfire Prevention Program Manager amp8220amp8217Decadesamp8217 provides an iconic look at how that message has educated generations by revisiting his important lessons for preventing unwanted human caused wildfiresamp8221amp8220The 1944 Smokey Bear campaign was born from a need to inform the public about our role in preventing wildfires As the national wildfire crisis grows in severity with each year bringing unprecedented wildfire activity to new states taking significant tolls on resources responders and our forest lands the imperative of Smokeyamp8217s message has to grow right along with itamp8221 shared Scott Phillips South Carolina State Forester and President of the National Association of State Foresters amp8220Every person who Smokeyamp8217s message has touched is one more asset in the combat against catastrophic wildfireamp8221amp8220Smokey Bear and his iconic message have been welcomed into our homes and made a permanent fixture of American history and cultureamp8221 said Lisa Sherman president and CEO of the Ad Council That kind of legacy is only possible because of the continued innovation from FCB NASF and the USDA Forest Service to keep Smokey relevant while his message remains consistentamp8221While Smokey has evolved over the years amp8211 appearing on lunchboxes stamps social media and even as an animated emoji his amp8220Only You Can Prevent Wildfiresamp8221 message has withstood the test of time This year he is proud to add Brian Tyree Henry to the list of incredible celebrities from Sam Elliot to Betty White who have lent their voices to spread his wildfire prevention message FCB New Yorkamp8217s vision to modernize the legendary Smokey Bear costume was brought to life by a team of artisans and engineers from special effects studio Alterian over a 16week journey It took four highly skilled puppeteers to operate the new suit allowing Smokeyamp8217s iconic line to be delivered with no assistance from CGIamp8220Smokey Bear is an American icon and FCB New York could not be more proud to play a part in sharing his important message over the decadesamp8221 said Ida Gronblom FBC New Yorkamp8217s Executive Creative Director amp8220For Smokeyamp8217s 80th birthday we wanted to pay homage to his years of wildfire prevention education by taking a trip down memory lane reminding everyone that although Smokey teaches wildfire prevention only you can prevent wildfiresamp8221In addition to the amp8220Decadesamp8221 film FCB collaborated with talented illustrator Sam Gilbey to develop vintage movie posters mirroring Smokeyamp8217s 50s 70s and 80s decades Best known for designing intricate cinematic posters Gilbey portrays nostalgic versions of Smokey in each highlighting some of his prominent wildfire prevention tips From campfire safety to properly securing tow chains each poster uses timely aesthetics including character clothing art style and colors to transport audiences back into each era Through each masterful illustration Smokey is featured as the protagonist of American cultureamp8217s wildfire prevention movieThis campaign will be distributed across TV radio print OutOfHome OOH and digital throughout the country and is an extension of the USDA Forest Service National Association of State Foresters and Ad Council39s ongoing partnership to prevent unintended humancaused wildfires where we live work and play Over the past 80 years Smokey Bear has left his mark on American culture In 2023 close to 80 of survey respondents correctly named Smokey Bear by name based on his image In addition to high awareness of Smokey Bear almost half of survey respondents indicated that they know a few tips related to preventing wildfires which is a key goal of the campaign In addition to the new work Smokey will be celebrated throughout the year at national and local events social media brand partnerships and more To learn more about wildfire prevention visit SmokeyBearcom and follow Smokey on Facebook Instagram and Twitter with the hashtags SmokeyBear80 and OnlyYouPosted at MediaVillage through the Thought Leadership selfpublishing platformClick the social buttons to share this story with colleagues and friendsThe opinions expressed here are the author39s views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillageorgMyersBizNet

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Smokey Bear Celebrates 80th Birthday with New PSA Honoring His Legacy of Wildfire Prevention

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