TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN — Smokey Bear — a mascot that was inspired by the true story of a black bear who was rescued from the top of a tree after a forest fire in New Mexico — became a national symbol for wildfire safety in America.
On Aug. 9, a U.S. Forest Service character that the bear inspired turned 80 years old.
The Sabino Canyon Visitor Center threw a party the next day, drawing in both adults and their kids from across Tucson to celebrate the mascot’s 80th birthday.
Amanda Adams, Partnership Coordinator for the Santa Catalina Ranger District of the Coronado Nation Forest, says is important to start teaching early.
“The quicker you ingrain these ideals in our children,” she said.”The more likely they are to stick with…
