1944day.year
The United States Forest Service and the Wartime Advertising Council release posters featuring Smokey Bear for the first time.
Smokey Bear makes his first official appearance in wildfire prevention posters launched by the U.S. Forest Service.
On August 9, 1944, the United States Forest Service and the Wartime Advertising Council unveiled the inaugural Smokey Bear posters. Designed to prevent devastating forest fires during wartime timber shortages, the campaign featured the slogan "Remember... Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires." Artist Albert Staehle's illustration of the anthropomorphic bear holding a shovel quickly captured the public imagination. Smokey Bear became a national icon, promoting fire safety education in schools and communities. The campaign's persistent messaging helped reduce accidental wildfires and fostered environmental stewardship. Over decades, Smokey's image evolved but remained a cornerstone of America's conservation efforts.
1944
United States Forest Service
Smokey Bear