Complete the statement:

Only you can prevent _________.

If you thought forest fires, you are only partially right.

In 2001, the phrase associated with Smokey Bear shifted from “Only you can prevent forest fires” to “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

“This change was made to highlight the fact that wildfires can happen in various ecosystems, not solely in forests,” said Lincoln Bramwell, the national historian for the U.S. Forest Service.

As Smokey Bear celebrates his 80th birthday this Friday, here are eight additional fun facts about this beloved bear.

1. Smokey is linked to WWII

“Many forget that wood was a crucial resource during the war,” said Bramwell. “Tanks, guns, and planes were made of metal, but everything sent overseas was packed in wooden crates.”

He noted that the wartime Advertising Council was responsible for raising awareness. Although fire prevention campaigns existed before, they often relied heavily on frightening imagery, with messages that were too extreme. Trying to scare people only goes so far.”

2. Bambi came before Smokey

Bambi transformed the approach to fire prevention messaging.

Bramwell explained that in early 1944, The Walt Disney Company allowed the wartime Ad Council to use Bambi for fire prevention campaigns.

“It resonated with kids and various other age groups. They thought, ‘This is working,’” he noted. “However, Disney provided a license for only one year to use Bambi, which led the wartime Ad Council to consider creating another cartoon animal, ultimately leading to the emergence of Smokey Bear in 1944.”

Later on, Smokey and Bambi collaborated on public service announcements. Other notable figures who aided in spreading Smokey’s message include Rod Serling from “The Twilight Zone,” Ray Charles, and Dolly Parton.

3. Real Bears Represented Smokey

“In 1950, firefighters in the Lincoln National Forest rescued an orphaned black bear cub injured during a wildfire. Following public interest, this bear was moved to The National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where it became the first living Smokey Bear and remained well-known for some time.”

Although the bear passed away in 1976, a second orphaned bear, known as Smokey Bear II, lived at the zoo until 1990, he added.

4. He is not called Smokey the Bear

The song written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins in 1952 included ‘the’ to match the melody. This tune became so catchy that many began referring to him as Smokey the Bear,” according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

His actual name is simply Smokey Bear.

5. Smokey has a special zip code

<p“When Smokey was the actual living bear at the National Zoo, kids could send him postcards, and he would reply with a Junior Ranger kit packed with activities. This became so popular that the post office created a unique zip code for Smokey Bear,” Bramwell said. “Only the U.S. president and Smokey Bear have their own zip codes.”

Smokey Bear’s zip code is 20252.

6. Smokey has a unique achievement

According to Smokey Bear’s website, “The Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history.”

7. Smokey offers advice

For years, Smokey Bear has stressed the importance of preventing fires, but recently, focus groups have shown a desire for more practical advice.

Bramwell mentioned, “Can you explain it a little bit better? We’re not as familiar with campfires as our parents or grandparents were. Can you provide us with more detailed guidance?” This feedback has led to subtle changes in advertisements.

Detailed instructions can be found on Smokey Bear’s app and website. He also has an Instagram profile.

8. Smokey’s message remains crucial

Bramwell noted, “There has been a significant demographic shift in the continental U.S., particularly with more people moving to the outskirts of cities and into areas closer to natural vegetation.” While they may not work in forested areas, many are now living near nature and more exposed to the risk of wildfires.

Outdoor activities continue to be highly popular.

The U.S. Forest Service estimates that between fiscal years 2018 and 2022, national forests welcomed 159 million recreational visitors, not including the hundreds of millions who visit national parks and other outdoor areas each year.

Bramwell concluded, “It’s essential to be responsible in these situations.”