On my daily drive to work I come across the fire danger index for the day. There is a picture of Smokey the Bear who has enchanted me since I was a child. I still remember the coloring book I had about forest fire prevention.
Wikipedia informs me that his real name is "Smokey Bear" and besides being a mascot for the USDA Forest Service he has had a commemorative postage stamp never mind his own zip code. Oh and not to mention his namesake park in Capitan, New Mexico, his own song and a national awards program.
It was befitting to learn that Smokey Bear is one of the longest running ad campaigns. I think more people need to be educated about the danger of wildfires, especially since a large percentage of them are caused by humans. Every campground that allows campfires should be required to post fire safety posters. People should stop flicking their cigarettes out of their cars too. Wishful thinking anyway.
What does Smokey say......."Only You Can Prevent Wildfires."
What, he's dropped his middle name?! I have a few comics somewhere...
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