Smokey 80th (Patreon)

A commemorative artwork for Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday.

For 80 years, Smokey Bear has been an icon of wildfire prevention in the United States. Created in 1944 during World War II as part of a campaign to protect vital forest resources, his figure became a living symbol when an American black bear cub was rescued from a forest fire in New Mexico in 1950 and named after the character.

With the motto “Only you can prevent wildfires,” Smokey Bear has educated the public about the importance of being careful with fires outdoors and individual responsibility in preventing fires. The Smokey Bear campaign is the longest-running public service campaign in U.S. history, and its message remains relevant as most wildfires are still caused by human activities.