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Smokey Bear Celebrates 75th Birthday

Friday, the  Florida Forest Service joined the nation in celebrating 75 years of Smokey Bear, the face of the longest-running public service advertising campaign in United States history, continuing his legacy of bringing awareness to unwanted, human-caused fires.

“Wildfire prevention remains one of the most critical issues in our state,” said Jim Karels, state forester and director of the Florida Forest Service. “Florida’s climate creates a unique challenge for our year-round wildfire season, making it imperative for us to educate Floridians and visitors alike on the importance of Smokey Bear’s message.”

Smokey Bear’s wildfire prevention campaign has had a dramatic impact since its introduction in 1944. Progress continues today with an approximate 14 percent reduction in the average number of human-caused wildfires from 2011-2018, compared to the previous 10 years.

While his work has been successful, more than 75% of all wildfires in Florida are caused by human carelessness, which means Smokey’s message remains relevant. Since January, the Florida Forest Service has responded to 1,295 wildfires that have burned over 87,200 acres in our state.

Pictured: A 75th birthday party for Smokey Bear Friday at the Blackwater Forestry Center. Escambia County is part of the Blackwater district. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.