Smokey Bear, the iconic symbol of wildfire prevention, is celebrating his 80th birthday on Friday, Aug. 9.

Smokey made his debut on a 1944 wildfire prevention poster, impacting American conservation efforts ever since.

A real-life story of a young black bear inspired Smokey's character. In 1950, a cub was rescued from a wildfire in New Mexico by a firefighter who then dedicated the bear’s story to conservation efforts. The cub, later named Smokey Bear, was taken in by the U.S. Forest Service and went on to live at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, serving as a symbol of the importance of wildfire prevention.

Smokey's influence lived on far after his time at the zoo. His legacy is celebrated through numerous initiatives, including the Smokey Bear Award, established in 1957 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This award recognizes significant contributions to wildfire prevention.

Smokey has been featured on postage stamps, license plates, and even a special NASA mission where a Smokey Bear doll was sent into space.

As Smokey Bear turns 80, his message remains as relevant as ever: preventing wildfires is a critical responsibility for everyone.

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