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Happy 65th Birthday, Smokey Bear His name was inspired by "Smoky" Joe Martin, a New York City Fire Department hero who shrugged off burns and blindness in a bold 1922 rescue. Examiner.com 8/9/09
Today the nation celebrates the 65th birthday of one of our most beloved protectors: Smokey Bear, the guardian of our forests. Dressed in a ranger's hat, belted blue jeans, and carrying a shovel, he has been America’s forest fire prevention symbol, since his debut in 1944. Today, he is one of the most famous advertising symbols in the world and is protected by Federal Law. He has his own private zip code, his own legal council, and his own private committee to insure that his name is used properly. Smokey Bear is much more than a make-believe paper image; he exists as an actual symbol of forest fire prevention. Kentucky’s Governor Steve Beshear, along with the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) and Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF), are recognizing Smokey today. The governor officially proclaimed Sunday, August 9, 2009 as Smokey Bear Day in Kentucky in an effort to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 65th birthday and provide critical information about wildfire prevention.
Since his “birth” on August 9, 1944, Smokey Bear has been a recognized symbol of conservation and protection of America’s forests. His message about wildfire prevention has helped to reduce the number of acres burned annually by wildfires, from about 22 million (1944) to an average of 7 million today. However, wildfire prevention remains one of the most critical environmental issues affecting our country. Many Americans believe that lightning starts most wildfires. In fact, on average, nine out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by people. The principle causes are campfires left unattended, debris burning, senseless arson, careless discarding of smoking materials or BBQ coals, and operating equipment without spark arrestors. Smokey Bear has been communicating his well-known message, “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires,” since 1944. In 2001, he introduced the term ‘Wildfire’ to include all unwanted, unplanned fires in natural areas such as grass fires or brush fires. Today, his campaign continues to be a critical tool specially designed to ask for every citizen's commitment to be responsible with fire. “Smokey Bear is one of the longest-running and most successful public service advertising campaigns in our country’s history,” said Leah MacSwords, director of KDF and president of the National Association of State Foresters. “His message has helped forestry agencies across the U.S. raise awareness about wildfire prevention,” she added.
The Wildfire Prevention
campaign was developed in partnership with the Ad
Council; a private, nonprofit organization that marshals
talent from the advertising and communications
industries, the facilities of the media, and the
resources of the business and nonprofit communities to
produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns
on behalf of nonprofit organizations and government
agencies. Smokey and his wildfire prevention campaign
continue today as a partnership between the Ad Council,
the US Forest Service and the National Association of
State Foresters. The Ad Council will be distributing new
public service announcements (PSAs) to media outlets
nationwide. Per the organization’s model, the new Smokey
Bear PSAs are airing and running in advertising time
that is donated by the media. KDF and DBNF are
encouraging media outlets throughout Kentucky to provide
support for the new ads. |
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