Fire Safety Icon shares information and reads a short story about the forest

information & photos released; (photo above) Parents and children gather outside the Manson Library to enjoy a visit with Smokey Bear  Credit: USDA Forest Service by Jacob Wisdom

On Tuesday, June 25th, Smokey Bear, and his buddy Chelan Ranger District Fire Prevention Technician Jake Wisdom, along with firefighters from Chelan Ranger District Crew 22 visited Manson Library to share information about the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, fire safety, read a short story about the forest, and hand out forest-related information.

During the presentation at the library, around 35 children and adults enjoyed learning about the equipment that is used during a wildfire, and kids got a first-hand view of a fire engine that is used to fight fires in the national forest. Some children were really happy to get the chance to squirt water from a fire hose!

Although Smokey will be celebrating his 80th birthday in August, he is still spry and eager to greet people at fun events like this one at Manson Library in Manson, WA. Remember one of his favorite sayings, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

Children pose for a photo with Smokey Bear at Manson Library on June 25, 2024. Credit: USDA Forest Service

A child squirts water from a fire hose outside Manson Library on June 25, 2024. Credit: USDA Forest Service