Smokey Bear is turning 75 years old today, August 9th, and to celebrate his legacy Lassen National Forest will be hosting three events this weekend in local communities.
“Smokey has helped to educate generations of kids and adults about wildfire prevention and campfire safety,” said Tim Pohlman, Acting Forest Supervisor.
In 1944, Smokey Bear was rescued after burning his paws during a wildfire in New Mexico. Since that time he has been the face of the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history.
Almanor Ranger District’s celebration will be held today, August 9th, from 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. at the district office in Chester. This free event will have games, a fire truck, cake and of course Smokey himself will be there. The location of the Almanor Ranger Station is 900 Highway 36 East in Chester. For more information, call (530) 258-2141.
Hat Creek Ranger District’s Celebration is Saturday, August 10th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Old Station Visitor Center in Old Station.
Special guests include Shasta Wildlife from 11:00a.m. until noon. From 12:30 until 1:00 Smokey will make an appearance along with cake, punch and pictures!
Fun activities including live music, arts and crafts, a rock show and a fire engine static display are planned from 10:30 in the morning until 1:30 in the afternoon.
Eagle Lake Ranger District’s Celebration will held Sunday, August 11th from 10:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Susanville Market at 50 Grand Avenue in Susanville.
Activities at the Susanville celebration include games, prizes, cake, a selfie station, a birthday card creation station along with fire engines from the Forest Service, Cal-Fire and BLM.
There will be guest appearances by Smokey and his friends; Woodsy Owl, Seymour Antelope and Sparky the Fire Dog.
