Who else but Smokey the Bear do we trust with fire safety information? For over fifty years this friendly but serious bear has looked us in the eye and implored us to prevent forest fires. Smokey’s origin is clouded in myth, but he remains among the most accepted and beloved icons in American marketing. Standing straight up, bare-chested with blue jeans and ranger hat, shovel at the ready, Smokey is no-nonsense, but welcoming. In this familiar sign, it looks as if Smokey himself changes the warning level to reflect fire conditions. We can’t imagine this important message without him.
Visit Smokey the Bear’s website for info and history regarding America’s longest running Public Service Announcement.