In the past several months, Interim Chief Jones focused on several articles to highlight the Estes Valley Fire Protection District. He gave us a great platform to launch messages to the community, and I plan to continue his vision.
In his first several articles, he highlighted wildland fire and the increased fire danger this summer. Despite cooler temperatures and some monsoonal moisture, we continue to experience elevated fire danger levels. Thus, we must continue our delivery of another wildfire prevention message.
However, rather than listen to the Fire Chief or firefighters continuously preach about wildfire safety, in today’s article, we’re going to rely on an outside source. Who better to deliver this month’s wildfire safety message than the mascot for the longest-running Public Service Announcement in U.S. History?
82 years ago, in 1944, during a wildland fire in New Mexico, firefighters found a lone black bear cub. Firefighters quickly adopted him. He quickly became a celebrity and through the magic of the US Forest Service, he became an icon.
Today, we know him as Smokey Bear with the sole message of “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”
The US Forest Service owns Smokey Bear’s trademark and takes his role in fire prevention extremely seriously. They have a 22-page manual, Smokey Bear Guidelines, related to his official licensing.
Throughout the years, in cooperation with The Ad Council, songs and books have been written to document his story. He’s been on TV; he had his own place at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and his birthday is celebrated every year on August 9.
His voice has been characterized by notable figures in cinema and television. One of the most recognizable was Sam Elliott who lent his smoky, western, and grandfatherly vocal qualities to Smokey from 2008 to 2023.
When Larimer County and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District adopted Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in late May, all fires were prohibited. These restrictions remain in effect as of today.
The official language is, “Open burning that is NOT allowed under this fire ban includes: wood burning recreational fires in a permanent enclosure or portable device designed to contain fire, open burning, pile burning, and other prescribed fire, charcoal and pellet fuel barbeque grills, and smoking in the open.”
Due to the extended drought — even with occasional rains — this summer has been especially difficult in promoting wildfire messaging.
While our residents continue to see signage, social media, and printed materials, our guests, who stay less than a week, may not understand the immediate threat.
To help us continue our delivery of the daily Fire Danger Rating and give people a reference to current Fire Restrictions, we hope to enlist the help of Smokey Bear.
In the coming months, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District will be working to place a 6-foot Smokey Bear Statue with a Fire Danger Rating sign in the District. We haven’t worked out all the details, we simply know that a Smokey Bear statue will have a home in Estes Park. Look for more information about this in the future.
Smokey Bear’s message has always been one of prevention. Delivery of preventive information is just as important as the actual message.
Firefighters can spout statistics all day about how 87 percent of all wildfires are human-caused, but often, that is not the best tool.
Instead, just imagine a family who comes to Estes Park for their summer vacation. Rather than a paper flier or a neon sign declaring fire restrictions, after this summer, they will have the opportunity to take photos with a 6-foot statue of Smokey Bear.
Moms, dads, and children will crowd around Smokey while they learn about the area’s fire danger. That’s not a lecture. That’s not a website. Those pictures are memories they will carry with them for the duration of their time in Estes Park.
Dollywood, a theme Park created by Dolly Parton, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, crafts their marketing around memorable moments. Their corporate mission is, “Creating Memories Worth Repeating” and their marketing slogan is “Love Every Moment.”
Throughout the park, visitors are encouraged to take pictures with Dolly’s colorful butterflies. The Estes Park Smokey Bear statue will lean on Dolly’s wisdom, allowing visitors to take pictures with Smokey Bear.
For a moment, they can shift their gaze from the mountains to the lovable bear’s mission. Social science says they will identify with his most memorable message, “Only You…”
Our statue will eventually be identified on a website, with approximately 120 other statues across the United States.
Believe it or not, families plan their travels to take pictures with Smokey in different locations. Yes, in a way, we will be using Smokey Bear to promote tourism. However, most importantly, once they get here, Smokey will help us promote all the elements of year-round wildland fire prevention.
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