This Smokey Bear mural is located in Burney, California. I liked the muted colors in the background of this mural. I’m not sure when it was painted, but it looks old.
In 1944, the U.S. Forest Service introduced Smokey Bear as part of a campaign to prevent fires. The slogan, “Only you can prevent forest fires,” was first used in 1947. In 2001, it was changed to, “Only you prevent wildfires.” This change reminds people to prevent fires in other habitats, like grasslands. This Smokey Bear mural shows the older slogan.
Fun fact: Did you know Bambi, from the Walt Disney movie, appeared in fire-prevention ad campaigns prior to Smokey’s creation? His likeness was “loaned” to the government for only a year.
Monday Mural
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Old but still has a relevant message. Sadly more and more forest get burned every year! Thanks for participating in Monday Murals
Yes, that’s true, Sami. There’s a new one an hour away from us that’s already about 30,000 acres big. Lots of firefighters are working on it.
I still say : Only U can prevent forest fires! and I mean, all fires!
What a cute mural. I hope the message is heeded.
I hope so too.
A bit of nostalgia here!
Yeah, Robert, he’s been around a long time. It was a very effective advertising campaign.