DNR’s Smokey Bear License Plate Bill Pre-Filed Ahead of Legislative Session

Legislation would create state’s first Smokey Bear license plate, which will raise funds to promote awareness of human-caused wildfires

information released

The bill to authorize Washington state’s first-ever Smokey Bear license plate has been pre-filed. SB 5910 and its companion bill in the House, HB 2108, when passed, will create a license plate that supports the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) efforts to prevent human-caused wildfires and support wildland firefighters.

“I am so excited about this bill. A Smokey license plate on vehicles across Washington will increase wildfire prevention awareness by reminding everyone of his signature catchphrase, ‘Only You Can Prevent Wildfires,’” Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said. “His message has never been more important – year after year approximately 90 percent of wildfires are human caused. Imagine what could happen if we all heeded Smokey’s message just a little bit more.”

The bill is prime-sponsored in the Senate by Senator T’wina Nobles and in the House of Representatives by Representative Brandy Donaghy.

Smokey Bear has been the face of wildfire prevention around the world since 1944. A Smokey Bear license plate will let people show their support for firefighters while supporting DNR’s efforts to drastically reduce the number of wildfires started by humans. The Smokey Bear license plate will also raise public awareness of wildfire prevention, letting everyone know that we all can help ensure the safety of our neighbors.

The public can learn more about the bill and follow its progress at dnr.wa.gov/smokeybear.

If the bill passes, the public could start purchasing license plates in October 2024 for any vehicle required to have a license plate. Plates will cost $40 for the initial plate and $30 for renewal of a plate. This will be DNR’s first license plate and the state’s only license plate for wildfire prevention.

DNR is the state’s primary wildfire fighting force and responds every year to fires that threaten communities, natural lands and homes. In 2023 Washington experienced more than 1,880 wildfires, one of the highest number of ignitions in our history, but DNR kept more than 95 percent of fires on state lands to under 10 acres.