Aug. 4-10 proclaimed 'Smokey Bear Week' in time for his 80th birthday

Highlighting the importance of wildfire prevention across New Hampshire, Gov. Sununu has proclaimed Aug. 4-10, 2024 as "Smokey Bear Week," in the Granite State coinciding with Smokey's 80th birthday on Aug. 9.

Events and programs are taking place statewide to help celebrate Smokey's milestone birthday and to continue sharing his well-known message that "Only you can prevent wildfires."

On Aug. 7, Smokey will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Youth Camp Day when the N.H. Fisher Cats play the Erie Seawolves at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Attendees will be able to take selfies with Smokey, learn about wildfire prevention from N.H. Forest Rangers and join everyone in the park as they sing "Happy Birthday" to the world-famous bear.

"We're also very excited that this summer the Forest Protection Bureau has teamed up with the N.H. State Library and libraries across the state to help Smokey promote the joy of reading while teaching children about wildfire prevention," said Forest Ranger Nathan Blanchard, N.H. Forest Protection Bureau.

"A collaboration of two terrific programs this year, from the USDA Forest Service and the Collaborative Summer Reading Program, are helping children know that they are an important part of Smokey's team and that their efforts can make a difference in keeping New Hampshire green and beautiful,'" Blanchard continued.

The Forest Services' "Smokey's Reading Challenge" provides a reading list of books for all ages that address not only wildfire prevention but also science and outdoor recreation. The list, along with activities and incentives for achieving self-set reading goals, can be downloaded from smokeybear.com/individuals-reading-challenge. The national program runs through Nov. 28.

Several New Hampshire libraries are also incorporating Smokey into this year's national Collaborative Summer Reading Program theme, "Adventure Begins at Your Library" by creating displays of books and other materials related to wildfire prevention and by hosting Smokey Bear with N.H. Forest Rangers serving as guest readers.

In addition to his appearances at the N.H. Fisher Cats and at select libraries, Smokey will also be present at many Old Home Day Festivities and agricultural fairs this summer and fall.

Created in 1944, the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. His popularity continues to endure across generations and his important messaging remains as timely today as it was when it was developed 80 years ago.

Annually throughout the past 20 years, New Hampshire experienced an average of 285 wildfires affecting 221 acres. Wildfires have the potential to negatively impact life, property and the state's valuable natural resources.

Anyone wishing to have an outdoor fire in New Hampshire must obtain a state fire permit in advance from their local fire department. Permits are issued based upon current and predicted Fire Danger conditions. They may also be obtained online at nhfirepermit.com.

Forest fire wardens, local fire departments and the N.H. Forest Protection Bureau are resources for wildfire prevention tips. Information is also available from the National Fire Protection Association's Firewise Communities website: firewise.org.

The N.H. Forest Protection Bureau is part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Division of Forests and Lands, which protects and promotes the value provided by trees, forests, and natural communities. For more information about the Division of Forests and Lands and the work of its Forest Protection Bureau, visit nhdfl.dncr.nh.gov or call 603-271-2214.

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