Happy Birthday Smokey Bear. On August 9, Smokey Bear turns 82. For more than 80 years, Smokey has been teaching generations of Americans about the importance of wildfire prevention. His powerful message, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” was introduced in 1947, three years after his debut—it is the longest-running public service announcement campaign in U.S. history.
In addition to being Smokey Bear’s birthday month, August is widely considered the peak of camping season because it offers reliably warm daytime temperatures, optimal swimming weather, and exceptional stargazing. Aligning with camping season, wildfires occur most frequently during late summer, peaking in August. Approximately 85–90% of all wildfires are caused by human activity or the result of negligence, including unattended campfires.
Since people cause most wildfires, we can listen to Smokey Bear and do our part in preventing them. To help reduce wildfires, follow these campfire safety tips:
• Check DEC’s fire danger map to make sure it’s safe to have a fire where you are.
Use existing campfire rings when possible.
• Build campfires away from overhanging branches.
• Campfires should be less than three feet in height and four feet in diameter.
• Be sure your match is out; hold it until it is cold.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• When ready to extinguish the fire, drown it with water.
• Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. If you do not have water use dirt. Do not bury your coals as they can smolder and break out.
• Consider using a small stove for cooking in remote areas vs making a campfire.
