Smokey Wants You!!!!!
Written by Justin Stephens

Over time, our perspectives on fire have changed. There have been dangerous fires in the past, and we can take new steps to prevent them. Also, in the meantime we can create a healthier forest.

In the past, our mistakes with fire are ominous today. In 1910, a massive wildfire in the West crossed millions of acres and killed hundreds of people. This event led to 100% suppression, and this cause lasted for 70 years. This approach was bad, because it damaged the life of trees. For example, in Sequoia National Park in Northern California, rangers found out sequoias weren't growing. Because of this, fire abatement crews came in and burned the ground fuels, and at first, visitors weren't happy. But low and behold, baby sequoias started sprouting a few years later. This success led to the Let Burn policy, and in 1988, fires started in Yellowstone National Park. At first, they looked harmless, but then it turned to the wild side. The government automatically blamed the park president, but he told them to relax, because it was natural, and, whad' ya' know, the park started miraculously growing back three years later. On the war on fire, we can fight back using new measures, and tame the beast.

Today, we can take new measures and be more careful around fires and help out Smokey. We can do this by not being careless around wildlife, and even our homes. In the forest, professionals can get rid of ground fuels and cut off "ladder" limbs. Around our homes, we can get dual-paned windows and metal roofs. We can prevent wildfires with needed adjustments.

There are many ways we can help out Smokey the Bear. There are also many ways we can help make a healthier forest, and a healthier forest for generations to come. Fire abatement crews can light prescribed burns to lessen ground fuels, which consist of pine needles, leaves, etc. This lessens the chance of fires and is a great source of nutrients for the soil, which is healthier for trees and shrubs to grow. Also, fire is good for some plants, as they release seeds and beautiful plants grow. A healthier generation of trees can come if we can make it happen.

We have made mistakes, but we can save the future! We can use fire-safe materials and thin out the woods. Only YOU can prevent forest fires!