From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Smokey the Bear is a mascot of the United States Forest Service created in 1944 to educate the public on the dangers of forest fires. It is the longest running public service campaign in US History with his famous catchphrase "Only YOU can prevent forest fires.".
See also: Bambi
The emblem has become less used in recent years, because it came into existence at a time in which the forest service believed that all forest fires were detrimental and unnatural, a view which few hold today.
Smokey is still used as an emblem because, although the orthodoxy is now that forest fires are an essential part of the ecosystem, it is desired that forest fires be planned and controlled.
