The following is a message from Capt. Brian Elliot of the Wilton Fire Department.


The first poster depicted a bear pouring a bucket of water on a campfire and saying, “Care will prevent 9 out of 10 fires.” Smokey Bear soon became very popular as his image appeared on a variety of forest fire prevention materials. In 1947, his slogan became the familiar, “Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires!”

Then in the spring of 1950, in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico, a young bear cub found himself caught in a burning forest. He took refuge in a tree, and while managing to stay alive was left badly burned. The firefighters who retrieved him were so moved by his bravery, they eventually named him Smokey.


For 75 years Smokey Bear has been diligently working to prevent fires and his work is far from over. On Friday, Aug. 9, please join us at the Wilton Fire Department in saying, “Happy Birthday Smokey Bear!”