BOISE -- With all the fires we've been having, it was very fitting that Smokey Bear celebrated his 68th birthday Saturday.
He threw quite a party at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park. There were games, educational displays to help people, especially kids, learn about campfire safety, pictures with Smokey and, of course, birthday cake.
"Smokey's message is current today as ever," said Ellen Dunlap with the Boise National Forest. "Kids need to understand the danger of fire and how important it is to avoid human-caused fires."
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has been the recognized symbol of conservation and protection of America's forests.
And who can forget his famous slogan: "Only you can prevent wildfires."
