Smokey Bear's 75th celebration

• Smokey Bear celebrated his 75th in Ruidoso on Aug. 10o

Smokey Bear celebrated his 75th year as an icon for fire prevention and safety on  Aug. 10 at Wingfield Park in Ruidoso.

In 1947, “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires" became a familiar slogan that spread across the U.S. in a nationwide campaign.

Recently it was changed to “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires," as awareness about fire expanded beyond the belief that forest fires were only caused by the "hands of humans."

Smokey's campaign began on Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor. That spring, Japanese submarines surfaced near the coast of California, firing close to the Los Padres National Forest. Local concern grew about the potential for wildfires to take over nearby forest.With experienced firefighters and other able-bodied men deployed in the war, communities had to deal with wildfires. The protection of forests soon became an issue of national importance.

The Forest Service organized the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) program with the help of the War Advertising Council and the Association created a slogan, and television commercials with Smokey Bear as the mascot for fire prevention.

75 years of campaigns, and counting

Support local journalism. Subscribe to Ruidoso News.

"We want to get the word out about fire prevention and how the community can help," said Clinton Neal, with the Smokey Bear Ranger district.

"Education is key to spreading the word about how easily a fire can start in a forest, or anywhere else."

An educational and historical presentation was given by Neal and Jodie Canfield about prevention at the celebration. Children were able to try their hands at many educational activities ranging from trying to control a fire hose and a blade saw cutting a log.

If people become educated on how to be more cautious with fires, making sure campfires are out, it may help reduce the number that occur, Neal said.

"We have conservation crews that serve in the Lincoln National Forest thinning and removing fallen timber or dead trees throughout the year. This helps eliminate some of the potential fuel," Neal said.

Neal said awareness is essential during the driest months of the year.

"It may be raining now and then here, but the vegetation is not nearly moist enough to prevent a fire. We need people to remember to extinguish all campfires before leaving a campsite and to be extra careful when burning debris in yards. We ask that guests obey all rules at any recreational site. They have been placed for very good reasons," he said.

Fire safety tips

• Contact 911, your local fire department, or the park service if you notice an unattended fire
• Never leave a fire unattended. Completely extinguish the fire 
• Be careful when using stoves, heaters, or any other type of camping equipment
• Do not discard cigarettes out vehicles
• Follow local ordinances when burning yard waste. Avoid backyard burning in windy conditions, and keep a shovel, water, and fire retardant nearby 
• When towing a vehicle, maker certain that chains are taunt and do not drag on the ground.
• Make sure fires and fueled equipment are not close to low hanging tree branches, dry brush or grassy areas, or fuels.

For more information on how to join the campaign to prevent wildfires, contact local Ranger Districts or local fire department.

More:New adventures await in Ruidoso

More:Best things to do in Ruidoso, New Mexico: Your guide to the mountain resort town

More:Claustrophobic ? Here's a chance to explore Fort Stanton Cave without worry

Website: www.smokeybear.com or www.fs.fed.us

Phone: 575-257-4095

Address: 901 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso.

Hours: May 20 - Sept. 2

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Pamela L. Bonner can be reached at 575-202-5555, 575-257-4102, Pbonner@Ruidosonews.com or @PamelaLBonner1 on Twitter.