August 6, 2004

Gov. Tim Pawlenty proclaims August 9 as Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention Day in Minnesota.

Smokey Bear, the national symbol of fire prevention with his message "Only you can prevent Wildfires," turns 60 years old on Monday, Aug. 9.

In a move to recognize this milestone in fire prevention, which
has benefited the State of Minnesota in reducing untold numbers of wildfires, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed that day as Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention Day in Minnesota.

In the proclamation, Pawlenty states that "Minnesota experiences
over 1,500 wildfires each year, burning over 60,000 acres costing the state taxpayers millions of dollars in firefighting costs.

The increased risk of catastrophic wildfires throughout Minnesota
threatens the lives, property and economic well being of the people of the state." He further proclaims, that since "ninety-five percent of all wildfires in Minnesota are caused by human activity, the State of Minnesota and Smokey Bear, the national symbol for fire prevention have worked together to prevent wildfires."

Smokey Bear's birthday will be celebrated during a special noon
pregame program at Monday's Minnesota Twins game and throughout the state at some Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forestry offices and state parks. Contact your local forestry office or state park to see what they have planned and join in the celebration.

Celebrations will also be on Governor's Fire Prevention Day at the
State Fair. The DNR Forestry Division will sponsor games and prizes at the DNR Building on the State Fairgrounds, Friday, Aug. 27.

This proclamation has come nearly simultaneous to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee honoring Smokey Bear for helping to protect our nation's forests for 60 years. Stating "The Smokey Bear campaign is the longest running public service campaign in the history of the United States.

The Smokey Bear campaign has been dedicated to educating Americans of all ages and particularly America's youth, about the need for vigilance concerning forest health and wildfires."

More information about Smokey Bear's birthday celebration is
available at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wildfire/prevention.