Frequently Asked Questions
How can I request a Smokey Bear appearance?
Smokey Bear appearances are reserved for events that align with his mission of promoting wildfire prevention awareness and education. Please note: While we would love to help support all relevant events and activities, we may not be able to accommodate your request due to national wildfire activity or lack of personnel availability.
Requests are reviewed based on event type, and will only be considered if at least one of the following applies:
My event is focused on Wildfire Prevention and Education
Examples include: Educational camps with students and fire safety workshops at your local national forest
My event is not focused on Wildfire Prevention and Education but does have the opportunity for a wildfire prevention message to be actively conveyed
Examples include: Sports events where Smokey PSAs can be displayed and local fairs where Smokey’s companion ranger can interact with people and share educational handouts
If your event is not focused on Wildfire Prevention and Education and does not offer an opportunity for a wildfire prevention message to be actively conveyed, it will not be eligible for a Smokey Bear appearance.
If your request qualifies, please email sm.fs.sbrequests@usda.gov with your event details, your location, the name of the agency or entity you are representing, and any relevant materials to begin the coordination process. As part of your planning, be sure to review the Smokey Bear Costume Use Guidelines to ensure your event aligns with approved standards.
How can I access the Smokey Bear PSAs and other campaign materials?
To access official Smokey Bear PSAs, visit the Ad Council’s campaign page and follow the outlined protocols for donated media distribution.
If you want to watch Smokey Bear’s PSAs, head over to his official YouTube channel to explore classic and new ads.
PSAs may be used in donated media space or for educational purposes. Please note: expired PSAs are not available for use.
Additional campaign materials are available on the toolkit page.
What is the Smokey Bear Toolkit? How can I access it?
The Smokey Bear Toolkit is a digital collection of ready-to-use materials designed to help partners, educators, and media outlets share Smokey’s wildfire prevention message and access educational materials.
To access the official Smokey Bear toolkit, visit this page.
Why does Smokey and his message matter today?
Nearly 9 in 10 unwanted wildfires nationwide are caused by humans. This means most wildfires are preventable. Smokey Bear’s message helps people understand that simple actions — like properly extinguishing campfires, using spark-generating equipment safely, and following local fire regulations — can make a real difference. As more people live and recreate in wildfire-prone areas, Smokey’s guidance continues to be a practical and vital tool in protecting our natural spaces, homes, and communities. Visit the wildfire prevention tips pages to learn more.
What impact has Smokey had?
Since his introduction in 1944, Smokey Bear has grown into one of the most recognized and enduring figures in American public service. At more than 80 years old, Smokey Bear is the longest running public service advertising (PSA) campaign in U.S. history. Over the decades, his wildfire prevention message has reached generations, shaping public awareness and behavior. Over the decades, Smokey’s message has shaped national awareness, inspired a culture of shared responsibility, and cemented his legacy as a beloved figure delivering a simple but powerful call to action: Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.
What is Smokey's role in the broader "ecosystem" of managing and preventing wildfires?
Smokey Bear's role is focused specifically on preventing unwanted, human-caused wildfires through public education and awareness.
While fire is a natural and important part of many ecosystems—and is sometimes used intentionally through land management practices—Smokey’s message is focused on personal responsibility in preventing the kind of wildfires that shouldn't happen.
Wildfire prevention is one third of the fire management system. The other two components are fire mitigation, where trained professionals proactively reduce the severity of wildfires, and fire suppression, where trained professionals put out wildfires. While Smokey's focus is exclusively on prevention, the other two pillars are critical in helping reduce the spread and severity of unwanted wildfires.
By helping people understand how everyday actions can reduce wildfire risk, Smokey plays a key role in protecting communities, public lands, and natural resources across the country.
Who are the people and organizations behind Smokey Bear?
The Smokey Bear campaign is a collaborative effort sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council. Funding comes from these organizations, as well as from licensing fees collected from official Smokey Bear merchandise. These funds are used to support ongoing wildfire prevention education and outreach initiatives.
Where can I buy official Smokey Bear merchandise?
Proceeds from licensing fees go to the Smokey Bear campaign to be used for continued wildfire prevention education.
- Official Smokey Bear Licensees and Products
- National Symbols Cache
- National Association of State Foresters Store
How can I sell official Smokey Bear merch?
To sell official Smokey Bear merchandise, you must obtain a licensing agreement from the USDA Forest Service. The Smokey Bear name and image are protected by federal law, and only authorized licensees are allowed to produce and sell items featuring him.
To apply, submit a proposal that includes product samples or design mockups, a business plan, and intended sales channels.
For more details and application instructions, visit the USDA Forest Service Smokey Bear Licensing page.
What are the Smokey Bear Awards and how do I submit a nomination?
Sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), and the Ad Council, the national Smokey Bear Awards recognize outstanding service in the prevention of human-caused wildfires and increase public recognition and awareness of the need for continuing wildfire prevention efforts.
For the latest nomination criteria and application form, please visit: https://www.stateforesters.org/smokey-bear/. Submissions typically open late spring.
Where can I find more resources on wildfire prevention?
When it comes to forests and other wildlands, there’s always more to explore! Visit the links below for more info on our nation’s forests and other wildlands, wildfire prevention, and more.