Happy Birthday Smokey the Bear! – Boundary Waters Blog

Smokey the Bear turns 65 years old today. It seems hard to believe he has been around that long. His looks have changed a bit over the years but he really hasn’t aged much at all. Smokey’s message about preventing wildfire hasn’t changed much over the years either. He’s just as concerned today about wildfires as he was as a bear cub in New Mexico.

Some people may not remember the story regarding the real Smokey. He was found by a fire crew during a wildfire in New Mexico. Alone and scared the tiny cub climbed a tree and was badly burned when the fire burned over. Firefighters made sure he received the treatment he needed and then he was given to the USFS by the State Game Warden who wanted the bear cub to be used as a symbol of wildfire prevention and conservation. The bear cub was relocated to the National Zoo in Washington, DC where he became the living symbol of Smokey the Bear.

You can find out even more about Smokey the Bear and his crusade over the years by visiting his website. You can even send him a birthday card or sign up for the Wildfire Pledge. I’m thankful for Smokey’s 65 years and wish him continued health and success along with a Happy Birthday.

Take the "Get Your Smokey On" Wildfire Pledge

I pledge to: BE SMART WHENEVER I GO OUTDOORS

To use caution and common sense before lighting any fire.
To understand that any fire I or my friends create could become a wildfire.
To understand and practice proper guidelines whenever I or my friends create a fire outdoors.
To never, ever leave any fire unattended.
To make sure any fire that I or my friends create is properly and completely extinguish before moving on.
To properly extinguish and discard of smoking materials.
To be aware of my surroundings and careful when operating equipment during periods of dry or hot weather.
To speak up and step in when I see someone in danger of starting a wildfire.