Smokey Bear's legacy lives on 80 years later

CAPITAN, N.M. (KRQE) – One of New Mexico's most iconic residents is celebrating a big milestone. Friday is Smokey Bear's 80th birthday and his legacy lives on decades after he died.

A wildfire broke out in 1950 setting ablaze the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. Among the flames was a lonesome Black bear cub who was badly injured. The bear was rescued by firefighters who had battled the flames and soon became a prominent figure teaching families across America about wildfire prevention for generations.

The manager at the Smokey Bear Historic Museum in Capitan said Smokey's message of wildfire prevention is especially important with the recent fires that ravaged Ruidoso. "Smokey's message is more relevant today than ever before… because the situation has changed. Wildfire behavior, we've seen cases where it's gotten really extreme," said Manager Mary Lavin, Smokey Bear Historic Park.

Smokey Bear is buried at his park in Capitan, New Mexico.