Carroll County Library Summer Readers Learn About Wildfire Prevention, Smokey Bear

HUNTINGDON (July 10) — Carroll County Library summer readers learned about Smokey Bear and wildfire prevention on Thursday.

Children's librarian Grace Hawkins read a book about the true story of Smokey Bear and wildfire prevention.

The Smokey Bear character was created in 1944, but the first real Smokey was a bear cub rescued from a forest fire in New Mexico in 1950. After recovering from his burns, Smokey spent decades at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. as the living symbol for forest fire prevention.

From the book Hawkins read, Smokey offers five rules for wildfire prevention.

One, as the famous slogan says, "Only you can prevent wildfires."

Two, always be careful with fire.

Three, never play with matches and lighters.

Four, always watch your campfire.

Five, make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving it.

Smokey Bear himself was scheduled to make an appearance at the summer reading event, but was unable. The summer readers had a great time anyway, crafting Smokey headbands and pictures and enjoying snacks.

Hawkins hopes to reschedule Smokey's appearance soon.

Carroll County Library's Summer Reading Program concludes with the "Color Our World" Summer Reading Finale on Thursday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m.