Taking Fire Prevention to New Heights: Dinah Soar Days with Smokey Bear

Taking Fire Prevention to New Heights: Dinah Soar Days with Smokey Bear

Aug 28, 2024

If you were anywhere near Vernal, Utah, from August 23-25, you couldn't miss the sky filled with colorful hot air balloons floating over the landscape during the annual Dinah Soar Days festival. This year marked the sixth anniversary of the event, and with 41 balloons floating overhead, it was a sight to behold. But there was one balloon that stole the show: none other than the iconic Smokey Bear.

The Smokey Bear hot air balloon floats above other balloons at the Dinah Soar Days festival. Standing at 97 feet tall, Smokey's hat brim spans 72 feet wide.

The Green River District and the Vernal Field Office staff partnered with Ashley National Forest to sponsor the Smokey Bear balloon's presence at the festival. Standing an impressive 97-feet tall, with a hat brim spanning 72-feet wide, Smokey was the largest balloon at the festival. Every morning, it took a dedicated team from both agencies to raise and take down this massive balloon, and the effort paid off as Smokey towered above the other balloons, capturing the attention of everyone below.

The highlight of the event wasn't just the balloons. It was the chance for the BLM to engage with the community and spread a vital message about fire prevention. With thousands of attendees gathered for the festival, the Green River District had the perfect platform to teach about fire prevention and mitigation strategies. And what better way to get that message across than with Smokey Bear, who, after recently celebrating his 80th birthday, still has an unwavering commitment to reminding us all that: "Only YOU can prevent wildfires!"

Smokey Bear poses with a young boy in front of a Bureau of Land Management fire truck.

Friday and Saturday nights brought even more excitement with the night glow event in downtown Vernal. During the night glow, hot air balloons are set up along Main Street, illuminating the night sky as visitors get up close, interact with pilots, and even experience firing the balloon burners themselves. Although weather conditions prevented some of the usual balloon activities, the festival kept its magic alive with "candle sticking" flare-ups. Smokey Bear's basket became a hub as attendees of all ages got to experience the thrill of firing up the balloon's torches. Smokey himself made appearances both nights, passing out Smokey memorabilia and making fire safety fun for the whole crowd.

A wide-angle view of the Smokey Bear balloon, with the crowd gathered at the 2024 Dinah Soar Days festival.A large crowd observes evening "flare-ups" as hot air balloons light up the night sky at the Dinah Soar Days festival.

Dinah Soar Days has grown to become one of Utah's largest hot air balloon festivals, and with Smokey Bear front and center, this year was a fantastic opportunity for the BLM to connect with the community and continue spreading the message of fire prevention. All those who participated thoroughly enjoyed the event, and the excitement is already building for next year's festival. Until then, remember Smokey's advice, and keep doing your part to prevent wildfires!

Travis Hawkins, Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)