Click link for PDF of 2012 Smokey Bear Educational Programs

Never hibernating when it comes to fire safety, Smokey Bear will again bring his message of wildfire prevention to Delaware first-grade students this October.  Originating in 1944, Smokey Bear has continuously reminded young and old alike that “Only you can prevent wildfires.” Correctly known as “Smokey Bear” (not “Smokey the Bear”), Smokey is part of the longest running PSA campaign in U.S. history. Smokey’s name and image are protected by the Ad Council, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Smokey Bear is only permitted to make public appearances in which the central theme is fire safety and wildfire prevention.

The importance of educational programs about wildfire prevention is underscored by these sobering statistics:

• Wildfires have burned almost six million acres in the United States this year
• Many wildfires are caused by human activity: In 2011, there were 10,249 wildfires caused by lightning, but 63,877 wildfires caused by human error (as reported to the National Interagency Fire Center).
• In 2011, more than 8.7 million acres burned due to wildfires in the U.S. and more than 5.4 million acres burned due to human-caused wildfires.

According to www.smokeybear.com these are common ways people can start a wildfire:

• unattended debris burning
• equipment fires such as from lawnmowers, ATVs, power equipment
• smoking
• unattended campfires
• fireworks
• carelessly discarding fireplace or BBQ ashes

Forestry staff use the 45-minute classroom visits as an opportunity to teach children about the many benefits of trees: wood products, food and habitat for wildlife, cleaner air and water, energy savings from shade in summer and heat in winter, as well as scenic natural beauty and recreation. Because trees are both renewable and sustainable, many people depend on trees for their jobs and income because trees can be replanted after harvesting. The central theme of the Delaware Forest Service’s program is that fire is an unplanned danger that can cause destruction of forest resources, and thereby deprive society of the many benefits that trees provide.

For her efforts in promoting the successful Smokey Bear program in Delaware, Ashley Peebles was recognized by the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) Program with its national Bronze Smokey Award.

For more information about the Smokey Bear Program, contact Ashley Peebles at 302-698-4551 or by email: ashley.peebles@delaware.gov.

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