Community Corner
Smokey Bear Hot Air Balloon Will Fly High Near DNR Pocket Park At UP State Fair
Michigan is always reimbursed for the cost of sending firefighters on out-of-state assignments.
August 11, 2021
Contact: John Pepin, 906-250-7260 or Paul Rogers, 616-260-8406 Agency: Natural Resources
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Smokey has been on message for decades
Fire prevention is critical in Michigan, which has more than 20 million forested acres, and in other heavily wooded states, where humans cause nine out of 10 wildfires. So far this year, DNR wildland firefighters have responded to more than 260 fires in Michigan that burned about 2,300 acres. DNR firefighters also have been called to assist with blazes in California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon and Wyoming, as well as the Canadian province of Manitoba. Michigan is always reimbursed for the cost of sending firefighters on out-of-state assignments.
Find out what's happening in Across Michiganfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The legend of Smokey Bear began Aug. 9, 1944, when the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council agreed on a bear as a symbol for fire-prevention efforts, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The first poster of Smokey Bear depicted a bear pouring a bucket of water on a campfire. In 1947, the familiar slogan "Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires!" came into use.
After a break for the COVID-19 pandemic, Smokey Bear has resumed a schedule of in-person appearances at events around the state, delighting everybody from kids to great-grandparents with his safety message. Smokey encourages people to be careful when burning debris, put out their campfires completely and learn, share and practice fire safety.
DNR Pocket Park at Escanaba fairgrounds offers plenty of fun
The DNR Pocket Park offers U.P. State Fair visitors the chance to try fishing, shooting, archery and fire-prevention games. There will be a Smokey Bear selfie station, an "Ask the DNR" booth and a booth staffed by DNR conservation officers. There's a fire tower on-site, too. All activities within the pocket park are free. The balloon crew will bring some Smokey Bear merchandise for sale.
Note to editors: An accompanying, slightly larger photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
- Smokey balloon: The Smokey Bear hot air balloon is coming to the U.P. State Fair in Escanaba Aug. 19-21; it will be tethered near the DNR Pocket Park.
This press release was produced by the Michigan DNR. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
