In this 1940s public service announcement from the US Forest Service, Smokey the Bear speaks directly to each member of a family to ensure they enjoy their stay outdoors while taking care to prevent a fire. The US Forest Service and artist Albert Staehle created the iconic Smokey character in 1944. His mission is to convince each citizen of their ability to stop wildfires from occurring. With his phrase, “Remember... Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires,” Smokey employs the Uncle Sam message to reach his audience. Smokey is the longest running and one of the most familiar examples of advertising campaigns in the United States.

TFC 16mm educational film promotional film advertisement Texas Forestry Museum animation fire forest fire Smokey Bear

Smokey the Bear deer smoke forest woods trees woodlands wood lumber logs

natural resource nature environment natural environment deforestation reforestation plants animals wildlife land

forestry wilderness tree farm tree farmer farm outdoors smoking cigarettes matches campfire

fire safety U.S. Forest Service U.S.D.A. Forest Service United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service 1940s 1940’s public service announcement psa