Leaders in Washington state are hoping for approval of legislation that would grant Smokey Bear a license plate in the state. While known and used in prevention efforts across the country, Smokey Bear is rooted in the Pacific Coast.
A bill has been pre-filed proposing a new license plate featuring Smokey Bear, which would be the first option for state license plates through DNR, supporting wildfire prevention and wildland firefighter programs.
Oregon has license plates featuring Smokey Bear available for residents already, through the Keep Oregon Green nonprofit.
“I am so excited about this bill,” stated Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz in a press release. “A Smokey license plate on vehicles across Washington will increase first prevention awareness by reminding everyone of his signature catchphrase, ‘Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.’”
Supported by DNR, the bill is sponsored by State Senator T’wina Nobles (D-Distrct 28) and Representative Brandy Donaghy (D-Distrct 44). If approved, the license plates would be available for Washingtonians before winter 2024, at $40 for the initial plate and $30 for renewal.
“A Smokey Bear license plate would let people show their support for the firefighters who put their lives on the line every season to keep us, our property and our lands safe from fire,” stated Commissioner Franz in a press release.
Since the 1940s, Smokey Bear has been a symbol of wildfire prevention across the country. He was first introduced following World War II attacks on the American mainland, specifically the explosion of an oil field near the Los Padres National Forest.
This led to fears in the U.S. that the war would lead to wildfires across Pacific Coast forests. In order to prevent the massive loss and destruction that would come from such an event, campaigns began through the U.S. Forest Service, War Advertising Council and the Association of State Foresters to raise awareness.
After a yearlong collaboration with Disney, featuring characters from the Bambi film on fire prevention posters, the organizations realized animals could be a motivating factor in awareness. Once the deal with Disney ran out, the Forest Service approved creation of Smokey Bear.
In the decades following his introduction, total acres burned in wildfires across the U.S. dropped by millions. Over time, it became clear that forest fire prevention wasn’t enough — hence the slogan change from preventing “forest fires” to “wildfires.”
Modern day wildfire prevention includes controlled burns by professionals in areas prone to rapid fire growth, and other tactics that have emerged following Smokey’s creation. His campaign has evolved over time.
Most recently, Smokey Bear’s campaign is focused on responsible citizenship, knowing what to do and when, as well as knowing the difference between a good fire and a bad fire.
“His message has never been more important – year after year approximately 90 percent of wildfires are human caused,” Franz stated. “Imagine what could happen if we all heeded Smokey’s message just a little bit more.”
DNR fights about 900 wildland fires in Washington each year, according to the Emergency Management Division, most of which are extinguished before growing larger than an acre. However, this still means hundreds of human-caused fires are extinguished every year.
“For nearly 80 years, Smokey has been a symbol reminding us to do our part to prevent forest fires,” stated Rep. Donaghy. “Each year, Washington faces more intense and prolonged fire seasons. Many of these are caused by human actions. That is why Smokey’s message has never been more important.”
