Smokey Bear Turns 75, Still Teaching About Forest Fires

August 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the launch of the Smokey Bear Wildlife Prevention campaign by the U.S. Forest Service. The iconic character was created by the U.S. Forest Service as it’s mascot and modeled after a small cub rescued from a wildfire in New Mexico. It has become a symbol for forest fire prevention. Smokey’s catchphrase, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires” is readily understandable to all.