Smokey Bear Celebrates 80th Birthday With Influencers and a Look Back

America’s wildfire prevention icon is the longest-running PSA campaign

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Smokey Bear is now an octogenarian and today, Smokey celebrates eight decades of educating Americans about the role they play in preventing human-caused wildfires.

Smokey Bear emerged from his den during World War II, when fears of incendiary shells led to his emergence as a symbol of fire prevention. Smokey’s “Only You” message has since become part of American culture through thousands of posters, radio ads, TV spots, billboards, and merchandise.



A Smokey Bear PSA from 1982.Ad
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