Remember, Only You…: A History of Forest Fire Prevention Advertising
Forest Fire Prevention campaigns began in the early 1900s after a series of destructive wildfires that killed thousands and threatened to deplete our shrinking timber supply. This program describes the art, artists, and media used to encourage the public to be cautious with fire. The campaign intensified during World War II, when enemy submarines and incendiary balloons aimed to ignite forests along the West Coast. A variety of animals, including a squirrel, Bambi the deer, and, finally, a bear in trousers and a hat, were chosen as the symbol for forest fire prevention. We will examine the campaign's impact on the health of our forests today. A variety of historic fire prevention posters will be on display.
David Govatski served as a fire management officer for the US Forest Service and, after retirement, continued to study the role of fire in forest ecosystems.
