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Story of Smokey

Explore Smokey Bear’s History

Since 1944, Smokey’s been working hard to inspire Americans to prevent wildfires. Follow his history here through memorabilia and print, radio and TV messages.

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Junior Forest Ranger — 1980: Junior Forest Ranger Handbook

Junior Forest Ranger — 1980: Junior Forest Ranger Handbook

1980: Reasoning Radio Commercial

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1980: Painted Matches

1980: Painted Matches

1980: Painted Matches

1980: Painted Matches

1980: You're Among Friends

1980: You're Among Friends

A poster depicts Smokey Bear and other forest animals. It reads "remember you're among friends." — 1980: Poster

A poster depicts Smokey Bear and other forest animals. It reads "remember you're among friends." — 1980: Poster

1981: City Tree

1981: City Tree

Think Poster — 1982: Poster

Think Poster — 1982: Poster

Think Before You Strike — 1983: Poster

Think Before You Strike — 1983: Poster

1983: Happy 40th Birthday

1983: Happy 40th Birthday

1983: Man Discovered Fire

1983: Man Discovered Fire

1983: Ray Charles

1983: Ray Charles

A red poster featuring Smokey reads "close the book on forest fires." — 1984: Poster

A red poster featuring Smokey reads "close the book on forest fires." — 1984: Poster

A poster depicting Smokey holding a cake for his 40th anniversary. The poster reads "Make Smokey's birthday wish come true." — 1984: Poster

A poster depicting Smokey holding a cake for his 40th anniversary. The poster reads "Make Smokey's birthday wish come true." — 1984: Poster

A poster featuring Smokey Bear reads "Only You!" — 1985: Poster

A poster featuring Smokey Bear reads "Only You!" — 1985: Poster

1985: B.B. King Radio Commercial

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1985: Cheech and Chong Radio Commercial

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1985: The Grateful Dead Radio Commercial

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1985: Happy Birthday Animals Radio Commercial

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1985: Spock Radio Commercial

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1985: Being Careless with Fire...

1985: Being Careless with Fire...

A poster depicting Smokey using binoculars to inspect a forest fire. It reads "only you can prevent forest fires." — 1987: Poster

A poster depicting Smokey using binoculars to inspect a forest fire. It reads "only you can prevent forest fires." — 1987: Poster

1987: Barbara Mandrell Radio Commercial

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1988: We've Always Wondered...

1988: We've Always Wondered...

1989: Do Trees Think?

1989: Do Trees Think?