An American icon turns 81 this year, today, August 8th as a matter of fact. Smokey the Bear, getting the word out about how only we can prevent forest fires, was created in 1944 after Japanese incendiary balloons started some fires on the west coast and wartime demands limited the number of firefighters, leaving communities to deal with wildfires as best they could. Prevention became crucial. According to forest service historian Lincoln Bradwell:
Since 1944, the iconic symbol has taught millions that they can prevent wildfires.
Happy birthday, Smokey.
