Smokey Bear is turning 80 on Friday, August 9th! Come to the Modoc National Forest Office in Alturas to sign a giant birthday card for Smokey Bear and celebrate with a cupcake or popsicle and visit with Smokey the Bear. Fun Starts at 1:00 PM Parents bring your kids, kids bring your parents. See you all there.
Smokey’s story began in 1950 when he was found badly burned in a forest fire clinging to a charred tree. Briefly named “Hotfoot Teddy,” he was about to take his place in history as the living symbol of Smokey Bear. Created in August 1944, the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running PSA in U.S. history. It educates about preventing wildfires, which remains a critical issue. Smokey needs your help to continue his crucial work. Remember his catchphrase: “Only you can prevent wildfires”. Read more about Smokey’s history at https://smokeybear.com/en/smokeys-history/story-of-smokey and about Smokey Bear’s history in the Wildfire Prevention Campaign with the US Forest Service https://smokeybear.com/en/smokeys-history/about-the-campaign
Smokey Bear and his first grader friends in May. Big Hugs for Smokey.
Smokey Bear Circa 1950
Modoc National Forest Celebrating with Smokey Bear earlier this summer.