Smokey Bear LIVE
Welcome to Smokey Bear LIVE, a distance learning adventure brought to you by the USDA Forest Service and the Natural Inquirer. There are currently three different Smokey Bear LIVE programs:
- Smokey Bear LIVE 1: Only You Can Prevent Wildfires - In this 22-minute video, learn about Smokey's history as a national icon, the bear cub that was found and became the living symbol of Smokey, and Smokey Bear's fire prevention message.
- Smokey Bear LIVE 2: A Distance Learning Adventure - Smokey Bear wildfire prevention campaign celebrated its 75th birthday in 2019. In this 55-minute webcast from Capitan, New Mexico, learn about: the Smokey Bear ad campaign; the bear cub that was found in 1950 and became the living symbol of the wildfire prevention campaign; and how to prevent wildfire at home and outdoors.
- Smokey Bear LIVE 3: Wildfire Prevention - In this 55-minute video, Smokey Bear and his friends discuss specific wildfire prevention topics such as: fire science, good fire vs bad fire, Smokey Bear's Rules for Wildfire Prevention, and careers in wildland fires.
Learn About:
- The history of Smokey Bear
- Careers in wildland fires
- Fire prevention and the equipment used to fight wildfires
- The fire danger rating system used nationwide
- Spectrum of fire prevention and management
- Good fire vs bad fire
Smokey Bear LIVE 1: Only You Can Prevent Wildfires
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In this 22-minute video, learn about Smokey’s history as a national icon, the bear cub that was found and became the living symbol of Smokey, and Smokey Bear’s fire prevention...Smokey Bear LIVE 1
In this 22-minute video, learn about Smokey’s history as a national icon, the bear cub that was found and became the living symbol of Smokey, and Smokey Bear’s fire prevention...
Smokey Bear LIVE 2: A Distance Learning Adventure
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Smokey Bear LIVE 2 was webcast live on November 7, 2019, from Capitan, New Mexico, where Smokey Bear was found before he lived at the National Zoo and returned to...Smokey Bear LIVE 2
Smokey Bear LIVE 2 was webcast live on November 7, 2019, from Capitan, New Mexico, where Smokey Bear was found before he lived at the National Zoo and returned to...
Smokey Bear LIVE 3: Wildfire Prevention
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In this 55-minute video, Smokey Bear and his friends discuss specific wildfire prevention topics such as: fire science, good fire vs bad fire, Smokey Bear’s Rules for Wildfire Prevention, and...Smokey Bear LIVE 3
In this 55-minute video, Smokey Bear and his friends discuss specific wildfire prevention topics such as: fire science, good fire vs bad fire, Smokey Bear’s Rules for Wildfire Prevention, and...
Related Videos
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A Better Way to Think about Wildland Forest
From the USDA Forest Service
This video explores what makes fire in the West unique and demonstrates the importance and benefits of healthy fire to forest ecosystems.
Climate Change Is Part of California’s Perfect Recipe for Intense Wildfire
From PBS NewsHour
Long before the current devastation in California, scientists had built a strong case linking a changing climate to more wildfires. Since hotter weather promotes drought and drought increases the chances of fire, rising temperatures have intensified the risks.
Back to TopFirefighters Battle the Infernos of Climate Change
From National Geographic
Colorado firefighter Don Whittemore has battled some of the state’s fiercest forest fires over the past several decades. He and others in his profession are now increasingly responding to record-breaking blazes as a result of higher temperatures caused by climate change. Drier and disease-ridden forests have accelerated the scale and intensity of the flames, creating a volatile situation for those on the front lines of the fight. Production company The Story Group documents the experiences of Whittemore and other firefighters as they weigh the risks of combatting escalating infernos. “On a day-to-day basis, we’re being surprised, and in this business, surprise is what kills people,” says Whittemore.
History of Smokey Bear
From the Public Resource Org
Learn about the history of the Smokey Bear wildland fire prevention campaign.
Little Smokey: The True Story of America’s Forest Fire Preventin’ Bear
The Real Smokey Bear Part 2
From New Mexico Game & Fish
In the summer of 1950, forest fires swept New Mexico’s Capitan Mountains. Firefighting crews rescued a small black bear cub clinging to a tree. They called the burned cub “Hotfoot Teddy,” but he was soon renamed “Smokey Bear” after the character in the poster. This is actual footage from historic film reels.
San Juan National Forest Campfire Patrol
From SWC Wildfire Coalition
A ride along with Fire Prevention Patrol Officer Anthony Garcia gives a first-hand look at what’s involved in enforcing fire restrictions and ensuring communities stay safe from abandoned and unattended campfires.
The Science of Wildfires
From SciShow
So, what is fire, exactly? What causes fires in the wild, and how do we put them out? SciShow answers your burning questions about the science of fire.
White Cap Wilderness Fire Study – 45th Anniversary Video
From the USDA Forest Service
The 1971-1974 White Cap Wilderness Fire Study initiated a change in the Forest Service approach to wildfires from fire control to fire management. This is the story about the study as told by some of the researchers, technicians, and managers during their 45th Anniversary reunion.
Wildfires 101
From National Geographic
What are wildfires and how do they start? Learn how we can prevent destructive wildfires, and how we can manage wildfires to improve the health of forests.
Smokey Bear Campfire Safety Steps
Introduction
Smokey Bear LIVE: A Distance Learning Adventure provides teachers, students and the general public with informative and interactive ways to learn about wildfire and the Smokey Bear public awareness campaign. Join us to learn about:
- How to prevent wildfire at home and outdoors, especially if you live in a high-risk area
- Smokey Bear and the history of public awareness campaign
- What wildland fire is and its role in the ecosystem
- Difference between wildfires and prescribed fire
- Role of prescribed fire in wildlands management
What is a Virtual Learning Adventure?
Distance learning adventures and live, electronic field trips (EFTs) bring the excitement of learning right to you, your classroom, or your non-formal learning event. Teachers don’t need to load up buses, worry about the weather, or collect money. The experts, topic, and location are brought to you electronically via the Internet.
Goals & Objectives
Smokey Bear LIVE: A Distance Learning Adventure provides teachers, students and the general public with informative and interactive ways to learn about wildfire and the Smokey Bear public awareness campaign. Join us to learn about:
- The Smokey Bear ad campaign, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary
- The bear cub that was found in 1950 and became the living symbol of the wildfire prevention campaign
- How to prevent wildfire at home and outdoors
Glossary
View All Glossary-
Matt Grubs
Host, New Mexico PBS Matt has been covering New Mexico since 2002 both on air and in print, for commercial television stations and the Santa Fe Reporter. He’s passionate about...View Profile -
Tom Bird
National Weather Service Meteorologist Tom is a Senior Forecaster at the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office in Santa Teresa, New Mexico where he has worked since 1994. With...View Profile -
Adolf Samora
Taos Pueblo Snowballs Adolf Samora and Paul Romero are the only two surviving members of the original Taos Pueblo Snowballs wildfire crew. This crew was fighting the fire in the...View Profile -
Paul Romero
Taos Pueblo Snowballs Adolf Samora and Paul Romero are the only two surviving members of the original Taos Pueblo Snowballs wildfire crew. This crew was fighting the fire in the...View Profile -
Bennie Long
Forester Supervisor/Manager for Smokey Bear Historical Park Bennie previously worked at the US Forest Service’s Smokey Bear Ranger District as a wildland firefighter. She was also a Park Ranger for...View Profile -
Amtchat Edwards
Amtchat works in Conservation Education and has over 20 years of environmental education experience with grades K-12, their educators, and the public. He works to blend entertainment, education, and calls-to-action,...View Profile -
John Artley
I grew up in the rural Midwest, graduated college with a B.A. degree in English Literature, and found myself searching for a conservation-oriented career which would enable me to work...View Profile -
Stacy Lacey
I work on the Ochoco National Forest out of Prineville Oregon as a Wildfire Prevention Specialist. I have two children ages 11 and 13 who have grown up loving Smokey...View Profile -
Jane Leche
Jane has enjoyed being a Public Affairs Specialist with the US Forest Service and a friend of Smokey Bear for over 30 years. She currently works in Lakewood, CO but...View Profile -
Jodi Mallozzi
I am the Initial Attack Dispatcher for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Las Vegas, NV. Before dispatch, I spent the majority of my career in fire prevention and education working...View Profile -
Mark Thibideau
Mark Thibideau is a Fire Prevention Technician on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California. I actively patrol the forests and communicate with communities, including local elementary, middle, high schools,...View Profile
Standards addressed in this Virtual Learning Adventure:
Next Generation Science Standards
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are a set of K-12 science education standards emphasizing inquiry-based learning, real-world applications, and integrating engineering practices, aiming to deepen understanding of science while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.- 0K-2 Engineering DesignGrades K-2 Engineering Design
- K-2-ETS1-1Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
- K-2-ETS1-3Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
Social Studies Standards
Social Studies Standards are educational guidelines outlining the essential knowledge, skills, and concepts students should learn in subjects such as history, geography, civics, and economics, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of societal structures, historical events, and global perspectives.- Civic Ideals and Practices
- Culture
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Fire Ecology Curriculum
From the USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region
This 11-page curriculum guide is organized by grade includes a lesson covering topics from Good Fire/Bad Fire for kindergarten to the Role of Chemistry in Fire Management and People in Fire’s Homeland for the upper grades.
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Wildland Fire Lesson Plans
From the National Park Service
Check this web page for lessons about backyard fires, fire adaptations, and more.
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Smokey Bear
From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry
Find fun wildfire prevention activities correlated to Ohio Education Standards for grades K-2. This link also includes a new Smokey Bear song.
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Smokey Bear and Friends Complete K-2 Educator’s Guide
From the USDA Forest Service, Ad Council, and National Association of State Foresters
Check out these outstanding resources for: Complete K-2 Educator’s Guide, Smokey Bear Activity Book, and links to videos.
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Disney “Planes: Fire and Rescue” Educational Activity Book
From the National Park Foundation, Ad Council, National Association of State Foresters, and USDA Forest Service. This 8-page booklet has great information and activities about campfire safety, a true/false quiz, and wildfire facts.
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Smokey Bear Historical Park Fun Pages
From Smokey Bear Historical Park
This page has coloring pages, a comic book, and activity sheets.
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Wildfire Lesson Plans
From the Penn State Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
Using educational flyers, videos, and smartboard technology, these lesson plans help students explore wildfire prevention and investigate how controlled burns are used for habitat restoration. Through the lesson plans students will understand ways to reduce wildfire risk around their home and community. They will also learn how trained professionals use controlled burns to maintain habitat for endangered species.
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Tree Rings and Forest Fire Ecology Lessons and Activities
From University of Arizona College of Education
Students will be able to: demonstrate their understanding of a healthy vs. unhealthy Ponderosa Pine ecosystems; identify biotic and abiotic factors in a Ponderosa Pine ecosystem through a video and slideshow; identify and describe a Ponderosa Pine and its ecosystem through a reading; create a web of biotic and abiotic factors within a Ponderosa Pine ecosystem; and discuss their opinion of a healthy vs. unhealthy Ponderosa Pine ecosystem, and explain why.
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Smokey’s Wildfire Prevention Detectives
From the USDA Forest Service, Ad Council, and National Association of State Foresters
Students take on the role of forensic investigators in this program designed for the science/Earth science classroom. The program will reinforce critical thinking, speaking & writing, scientific inquiry, collaborative learning, and research skills in language arts, social studies, science & technical subjects, and health/safety.
Lesson Plans
Grades K-12
Grades K-2
Grades K-5
Grades 4 – 8
Grades 6 – 8
Introduction
Smokey Bear LIVE: A Distance Learning Adventure provides teachers, students and the general public with informative and interactive ways to learn about wildfire and the Smokey Bear public awareness campaign. Join us to learn about:
- How to prevent wildfire at home and outdoors, especially if you live in a high-risk area
- Smokey Bear and the history of public awareness campaign
- What wildland fire is and its role in the ecosystem
- Difference between wildfires and prescribed fire
- Role of prescribed fire in wildlands management
What is a Virtual Learning Adventure?
Distance learning adventures and live, electronic field trips (EFTs) bring the excitement of learning right to you, your classroom, or your non-formal learning event. Teachers don’t need to load up buses, worry about the weather, or collect money. The experts, topic, and location are brought to you electronically via the Internet.
Goals & Objectives
Smokey Bear LIVE: A Distance Learning Adventure provides teachers, students and the general public with informative and interactive ways to learn about wildfire and the Smokey Bear public awareness campaign. Join us to learn about:
- The Smokey Bear ad campaign, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary
- The bear cub that was found in 1950 and became the living symbol of the wildfire prevention campaign
- How to prevent wildfire at home and outdoors
Related Resources from the Natural Inquirer
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Scientists explore if and how climate and weather are connected to very large wildland fires to help predict and prepare for future events. This monograph is part of the Time...Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire (Time Warp Monograph Series) – Vol. 1 No. 14
Scientists explore if and how climate and weather are connected to very large wildland fires to help predict and prepare for future events. This monograph is part of the Time... -
This edition of the Natural Inquirer is all about wildland fire. You will learn about the benefits of wildland fire, as well as some of its dangers. You will learn...Wildland Fire – Vol. 4 No. 1
This edition of the Natural Inquirer is all about wildland fire. You will learn about the benefits of wildland fire, as well as some of its dangers. You will learn... -
This journal focuses on wildland fire. Wildland fire is any fire occurring in vegetation areas, regardless of how it was started. In this edition, you will learn about different types...Wildland Fire 2 – Vol. 13 No. 1
This journal focuses on wildland fire. Wildland fire is any fire occurring in vegetation areas, regardless of how it was started. In this edition, you will learn about different types...
Get Involved
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Community Service Project Ideas
Download PDFFrom TakeAction
Make an important contribution in helping your community be better prepared for future wildfires. These community service project ideas will guide you in finding an activity that fits your objectives, interests and abilities; while making the place where you live a safer place.
Additional Resources
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75 Years Preventing Wildfires
Visit WebsiteFrom the USDA Forest Service, Ad Council and National Association of State Foresters. Since 1944, Smokey Bear has taught millions of Americans just like you about their role in preventing wildfires. Seventy-five years later, in 2019, Smokey is celebrating a milestone birthday. Will you join us in honoring Smokey Bear and this timeless message of wildfire prevention throughout 2019? Find an event near you.
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Fire Adapted Communities
Visit WebsiteThe Fire Adapted Communities Coalition is committed to helping people and communities in the wildland urban interface adapt to living with wildfire and reduce their risk for damage, without compromising firefighter or civilian safety. The coalition provides information and expertise on the development of this website and other activities related to fire adapted communities.
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FireFree
Visit WebsiteFireFree, founded in 1997, is a year round educational effort to empower residents to prepare their home for the threat of wildfire. The 10 fire free steps are: 1.) define your defensible space 2.) reduce brush near home and underneath trees 3.) prune or remove trees 4.) keep grass and weeds cut low 5.) clear wood piles and building materials away 6.) keep your yard and roof clean 7.) keep address signs visible 8.) choose fire resistance building materials and lawn furniture 9.) recycle yard debris – avoid burning 10.) be prepared to respond to wildfire.
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Living with Fire
Visit WebsiteFind information on fire-adapted communities, becoming “ember aware,” what homeowners can do before, during, and after a fire.
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Ready, Set, Go!
Visit WebsiteFrom the USDA Forest Service and multiple other partners.
The RSG! Program tenets help residents be Ready with preparedness understanding, be Set with situational awareness when fire threatens, and to Go, acting early when a fire starts. -
Smokey Bear
Visit WebsiteFrom the USDA Forest Service, Ad Council, and National Association of State Foresters.
Check out this web site for information about Smokey’s history, wildland fire, how to prevent fires, information for kids, and resources for educators. -
Smokey Bear Historical Park
View WebsiteFrom the New Mexico State Forestry Division
In 1979, Smokey Bear Historical Park was established to honor Capitan’s favorite son, Smokey Bear. Nearly three decades earlier, Smokey was an orphaned little bear cub with burned paws, found in the aftermath of the Capitan Gap wildfire. Smokey Bear rose to fame as an icon for forest fire prevention and he lived in Washington, D.C.’s National Zoo for 26 years. When he passed away, the famous black bear was laid to rest in his hometown. His burial site is a special place within the Smokey Bear Historical Park. The park is a true celebration of Smokey’s legacy! At the visitor’s center, guests can find fascinating exhibits about forest health, wildfires, the science of fire ecology and a historical look at wildfire prevention. The theater features a short film about how forest health and fire impacts our lives today.
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Smokey the Bear Song
View WebsiteFrom the New Mexico State Forestry Division
Written during the height of Smokey Bear’s popularity, the song celebrates the world’s most famous bear. In a move that has spawned debate over Smokey’s real name ever since, the song was written using a “the” in Smokey’s name so that the words could fit the melody.
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Wildfire Prevention
View WebsiteFrom Ad Council, USDA Forest Service, and National Association of State Foresters
For over 70 years, Smokey Bear has been protecting our forests and getting the word out about wildfire prevention. His powerful message, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” is at the heart of one of America’s longest running PSA campaigns. Indeed, Smokey is an icon: in 2017, 80% of outdoor recreationists (18+) correctly identified Smokey Bear’s image and 8 in 10 recognized the campaign PSAs. Although Smokey has been essential to wildfire prevention education over the last seven decades, he still needs help, as even today, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by people. PSAs aim to raise awareness of lesser known ways wildfires are started, such as burning debris on windy days, improperly discarding hot ashes and coals, and dragging improperly secured chains. They remind adults to safely use and extinguish outdoor fires.
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Wildland Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Desk Reference Guide
View PDFFrom the National Wildfire Coordinating Group
The Wildland Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Desk Reference Guide is designed to provide basic background information on relevant programs and terminology for those, whether community members or agency personnel, who are seeking to enhance their community’s wildfire mitigation efforts. The four primary objectives of this reference guide are to:
Provide a reference to assist with integrating wildland urban interface mitigation principles into national wildland fire training
Promote common wildfire mitigation language and culture
Establish an authoritative source for wildland urban interface mitigation information
Provide consistent definitions for use by all media
Sponsors
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USDA Forest Service
Established in 1905, the Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the Forest Service, summed up the mission of the Forest Service "to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run." National forests and grasslands encompass 193 million acres of land, which is an area equivalent to the size of Texas.
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Smokey Bear Historical Park, New Mexico State Forestry
Smokey Bear Historical Park is operated by the New Mexico State Forestry Division. In 1979, Smokey Bear Historical Park was established to honor Capitan's favorite son, Smokey Bear. Nearly three decades earlier, Smokey was an orphaned little bear cub with burned paws, found in the aftermath of the Capitan Gap wildfire. Smokey Bear rose to fame as an icon for wildfire prevention and he lived in Washington, D.C.'s National Zoo for 26 years. When he passed away, the famous black bear was laid to rest in his hometown. His burial site is a special place within the Smokey Bear Historical Park.
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New Mexico PBS
New Mexico PBS’ Mission is to inform, engage, educate and connect New Mexico’s diverse communities, reflecting their interests and needs through quality programming, services, and online content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Since 1958, New Mexico PBS has been a leader in public television with a history of innovative services connecting the people of New Mexico.
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KRWG Public Media
PBS, NPR, and local news for Las Cruces, El Paso, Silver City, and all of southwestern New Mexico and far west Texas.
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KENW PBS New Mexico
KENW is a public television station in Portales, New Mexico, broadcasting locally on digital channel 32 (virtual channel 3) as a PBS member station. The digital sub-channels are PBS HD, PBS SD, PBS Kids/PBS Encore, and FNX. The station also broadcasts on channel 3 on Dish Network and DirecTV. The station is owned by Eastern New Mexico University. The station signed on on September 1, 1974 as the first public television station in eastern New Mexico.
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KOB-TV
KOB4 is an NBC-affiliated television station licensed to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and also serving Santa Fe. It is the oldest television station in New Mexico, as well as the third-oldest television station between the Mississippi River and West Coast.
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Partners
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Ad Council
2019 will be the 75th anniversary of the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign. Created in 1944, the Smokey Bear campaign is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history, educating generations of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. As one of the world's most recognizable characters, Smokey's image is protected by U.S. federal law and is administered by the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council. Despite the campaign's success over the years, wildfire prevention remains one of the most critical issues affecting our country. Smokey's message is as relevant and urgent today as it was in 1944.
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National Association of State Foresters
Established in 1920, the National Association of State Foresters is a non-profit organization composed of the directors of forestry agencies in the states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. State foresters manage and protect state and private forests, which encompass nearly two-thirds of the nation's forests.
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FSNatureLive
The USDA Forest Service, Prince William Network and partners bring nature learning to you through our series of webcasts, webinars, and online education resources. No matter where you are in the world, visit our LIVE programs for exciting, on-site learning about grasslands, climate change, fresh water, bats, butterflies, wetlands, and more!
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Natural Inquirer
The Natural Inquirer program produces a variety of science education materials for PreK through grade 12. Natural Inquirer products are produced by the USDA Forest Service, the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (CFAIA), and other cooperators and partners.
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