Smokey Bear To Visit South Jersey Forest That's Had Several Wildfires This Year

BASS RIVER STATE FOREST, NJ — Smokey Bear plans to visit South Jersey, with wildfire-prevention messaging that's arguably more vital now than ever.

The longtime public-service icon will visit Bass River State Forest from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, when people can take selfies with him. Several wildfires have impacted the forest this year, including a 5,475-acre blaze that took nearly four days to fully contain.

Officials continue to investigate the cause of the wildfire that burned from late May to early June, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection told Patch on Monday.

Dubbed the Allen Road Wildfire, the blaze was among several massive wildfires that tore through South Jersey forests this year. On top of that, smoke from the ongoing wildfires in eastern Canada has repeatedly traveled through the region and diminished the air quality.

Climate change has been a key factor in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires, especially in the western United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Increased heat and dry conditions have been key factors in doubling the West's number of large wildfires between 1984 and 2005, the federal agency says.

Humans cause nearly 85 percent of wildfires, according to the National Park Service.

Smokey Bear has campaigned since 1944, carrying the slogan "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires." Smokey used to say "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires," but his message changed in 2001 — partially because of massive wildfire outbreaks in natural areas and also to clarify that the campaign targets the prevention of unplanned forest fires.

The "Selfies with Smokey Bear" event will meet at Bass River State Forest's Interpretive Center — in the South Shore Camp Area between sites 13 and 14.

Visit Smokey Bear's website for tips on preventing wildfires.