In 2024, an American icon, Smokey Bear, will celebrate a significant milestone: his 80th birthday. Known as the face of the longest-running and most successful advertising campaign in U.S. history, Smokey’s message, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires,” still resonates as strongly today as it did when first introduced back in the 1940s.
The USDA Forest Service will not be waiting until Smokey’s actual birthday on August 9 to start the party. Celebrations are set to begin in January with Smokey’s appearance in the Tournament of Roses Parade. That will kick off a year-long series of festivities honoring the elder statesman of wildfire prevention.
Throughout the year, the Forest Service, in collaboration with the Ad Council and the National Association of State Foresters, is orchestrating a variety of activities. These include guest appearances at local events and a special live stream from the California State Fair hosted by Darley Newman of PBS fame.
A particularly interactive element of the celebration is the #SingForSmokey campaign, where the public is encouraged to serenade Smokey with birthday wishes on social media. Selected performances will be broadcasted on August 9, and the revelry will continue into the holiday season with Smokey’s balloon floating high in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and his presence at the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting.
Along with the big birthday bash, the wildfire prevention message is being highlighted. Human error is the cause of over 80% of wildfires. Smokey and the Forest Service urges everyone to spread the word about stopping wildfires. Stay updated on Smokey’s birthday events and how you can participate, follow the Forest Service and the Ad Council’s Smokey Bear websites and social media channels. And remember, as Smokey himself would say, the responsibility to prevent wildfires is truly in your hands, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”
