Now on Twitter, Facebook, 65-Year-Old Smokey the Bear Is Young at Heart
On his 65th birthday, the famous PSA bear says to "Get Your Smokey On."
Aug. 10, 2009— -- Nearly everyone is familiar with the big, brown, fuzzy bear who reminds us that "Only you can prevent forest fires."
The sweet, but serious Smokey, also known as Smokey the Bear, is America's most well-known wildfire prevention icon, and today, people across the nation are honoring Smokey on his 65th birthday.
The U.S. Forest Service mascot represents one of the longest running public service announcement campaigns in U.S. history and has taken his popularity to a new level.
Now, kids can interact with Smokey and the Forest Service through interactive games and programs on the USFS Web site.
Smokey also has a fan page on Facebook with more than 7,000 fans. Several Smokey the Bear groups are also sprinkled throughout Facebook, such as "I Support Smokey the Bear" and the "Smokey the Bear Fan Club."
Making sure his bases are covered, Smokey also has a presence on Twitter, MySpace and YouTube.
'Get Your Smokey On!'
Smokey's latest slogan? Forget the Uncle Sam "Only YOU..." references from yesteryear. The new Smokey, clad in blue jeans, isn't afraid to use a little slang and say, "Get your Smokey on!"
It's a reminder for campers, vacationers, hikers, tourists and homeowners to use Smokey's tips when it comes to campfire safety, debris burning, equipment maintenance and house safety.
The forest service is celebrating Smokey's birthday by releasing his new book, "Smokey Bear Story."
The bilingual illustrated children's book was released today in English and Spanish at the USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. It is Smokey's latest approach to wildfire education, which the U.S. Forest Service hopes will engage children in learning.
"The book has tremendous educational value," U.S. Forest Service spokesman Joe Walsh said.
Smokey the Bear Celebrates 65th Birthday
Walsh said the book is aimed at a new group of children and students learning about wildfire prevention.
Forest Fires Decline
While forest fires remain a serious concern throughout the country, the number of acres lost annually to wildfires has declined from about 22 million in 1944 to an average of 6.5 million annually.
As of Friday, the National Interagency Fire Center reported there were fewer than 50 wildfires burning nationwide.
People start nine out of 10 wildfires, according to the forest service, and since about 205 million people visited national forests across the country from 2000 to 2003, the most recent data available from the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program, raising public awareness is key to making sure blazes do not get started.
Some of the main causes of wildfires include campfires left unattended, trash burning on windy days and careless disposal of smoking materials and barbecue coals.
Birthday Celebrations for Smokey the Bear
From Staten Island, N.Y., to Montana, people are helping Smokey celebrate.
"We're making sure PSAs hit the streets and Smokey's making appearances in certain places. We have a lot of rural towns, so the small communities are getting together for his birthday," forest service spokeswoman Rose Davis said.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in Staten Island held its 6th annual celebration Sunday in honor of Smokey and fire safety and environmental awareness.
And although Smokey is a symbol of the forest service, the National Park Service is also recognizing Smokey on his special day.
"The message about preventing wildfires is something everyone needs to share," NPS Office of Interpretation spokeswoman Laura Cohen said.