Happy Birthday Smokey Bear

Smokey Bear was born Aug. 9, 1944, to promote forest fire prevention. It was a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council. This year, to mark the icon’s 75th birthday, events have been held around the country along with a traveling historical exhibit.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, Albert Staehle was the first artist asked to paint a poster of Smokey Bear pouring a bucket of water on a campfire. In 1947, is when “Only YOU can prevent forest fires” first appeared on prevention materials.

Click here to read the Smokey’s story.

The Bighorn National Forest Supervisor Office / Tongue River District Office will be celebrating Friday, Aug. 9, with cake and lemonade from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Smokey will be available for pictures from 1 to 2 p.m.

H/t smokeybear.com.