smokey bear

Smokey Bear turns 80 today. He’s one of the most iconic figures in advertising history, conjuring images of America’s national forests and the message, “Only YOU can prevent wildfires." Some call him timeless. Others wonder if his message is dangerously out of date.

2024 will be a milestone year for the U.S. Forest Service; it marks Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. The agency is set to launch a year-long celebration in January celebrating the fire prevention icon with activities planned across the U.S.