Disclosure: In any review for a product or service, products or compensation may have been provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and "Terms of Use" tabs for more information.
If you are one to keep up with national news, you have no doubt seen the chaos and devastation that the wildfires are causing across 7 different states. Thousands of acres burned, families who have lost their homes, and even people who have lost their lives. We have all heard the message of Smokey Bear – he has been telling us to prevent fires for 72 years now. His message is just as important now as it was back in 1944.
Smokey Bear’s message about wildfire prevention is the center of the longest running and one of the most successful PSA campaigns in our nation’s history. Although progress has been made, accidental, human-caused wildfires remain one of the most critical environmental issues affecting the U.S. the Soberanes fire, in California, is a perfect example. This fire was caused by an abandoned campfire. By someone being careless and not thinking about the consequences.
We have to take preventative action, always! And while we all know that matches, burning cigarettes, and abandoned campfires are all potential threats for wildfire – there are MANY lesser known causes. Ones that you might be participating in and not even realize it.
Did you know? A wildfire can start due to the following:
- Improperly extinguished fire pit
- Dumping ashes from a BBQ/grill
- Metal chains hanging from a moving vehicle
- Parking over tall, dry grass
- Dying embers left in a campfire
- Oil from a lantern
Note: To Avoid Such Issues You May Make a Best Fire Pit that will help in various ways while traveling.
Coinciding with Smokey Bear’s 72nd birthday, the Ad Council, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), have launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) created to help prevent wildfires nationwide by increasing awareness about less commonly known fire starts.
Although most of us don’t behave this way intentionally, each year we learn of devastating wildfires caused by careless behavior which can impact millions of acres of forest and thousands of homes. Although four out of five wildfires are started by people, nature is usually more than happy to help fan the flames.
- In 2014 there were 7,933 wildfires caused by lightning, but 55,679 wildfires caused by human error (as reported to the National Interagency Fire Center).
- In 2015 58,916 human-caused wildfires burned over 2 million acres.
Nature, the forest, our parks and trails – these are all an immensely important part of our lives. We need to take the pledge to be smart when we go outdoors. To do everything we can to preserve our beautiful forests. Will you join me in taking the pledge? I for one want to see these incredible lands preserved for my children and for their children.
“Although progress has been made, accidental, human-caused wildfires remain one of the most critical environmental issues affecting the U.S. the Soberanes fire, in California, is a perfect example.” The use of the word accidental is misleading as one may infer that no fault lies with the responsible person. Many human-caused fires are through negligence or are willful – abandoned campfires, dragging trailer chains, unattended debris pile burns, arson, etc. Please inform yourselves as to what you can do to prevent ignitions in the wildland. You may get a Smokey hug.
I agree with you. Not all accidents are due to stupidity, however. Most, yes.
i remember this from my childhood,,,espcially now with all the fires we need this back in school
The wildfires are so horrible and sad. Everybody has to obey and listen to Smoky the Bear, it is so important to be careful.