[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 102 (Friday, July 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SMOKEY BEAR FIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______


                           HON. E de la GARZA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 1994

  Mr. de la GARZA. Mr. Speaker, the Smokey Bear Fire Prevention and 
Education Program will celebrate the culmination of a year long 50th 
anniversary on August 9, 1994. Although many of our recent forest fires 
have been lightening caused, nationwide, 9 out of 10 forest fires are 
caused by people. This accounts for more than 100,000 wildfires started 
by people every year, which burn more than 2 million acres of Federal, 
State, and private land. These fires cause a loss of millions of 
dollars of property, natural resources and incalculable loss of human 
life.
  Fire prevention education and awareness is a proven cost-effective 
way to avoid resource damages and loss of life resulting from 
carelessly caused fires. The multifaceted Smokey Bear Program averts 
millions of dollars in Federal and State fire suppression costs and 
helps preserve America's greatest natural treasures, our forests.
  Smokey Bear is the longest running public service advertising [PSA] 
campaign in the history of the advertising council. In the last decade 
alone, over $500 millions in donated media have appeared across the 
country, spreading Smokey Bear's message of fire prevention.
  Smokey Bear has provided a invaluable lesson in fire prevention. By 
heeding Smokey Bear's advice, wildlife damage can be minimized and the 
threat to human lives reduced. Please join me and my colleagues in 
recognizing this most effective and important program by supporting the 
attached resolution.

                          ____________________