SMOKEY BEAR IS 75

The Florida Forest Service joined the nation in celebrating Smokey Bear’s 75th birthday. Smokey Bear’s wildfire prevention campaign – the longest-running public service advertising campaign in United States history – has had a dramatic impact since its introduction in 1944 in helping to reduce human-caused wildfires. Nevertheless, more than 75% of all wildfires in Florida are caused by human carelessness. Since January, the Florida Forest Service has responded to 1,295 wildfires that have burned over 87,200 acres.

Weekly buzz