The U.S. Forest Service started the campaign in 1944 and used it to educate the American public on the dangers of forest fires. A live mascot, appropriately named Smokey, was added to the campaign in 1950.

Smokey's face appeared on posters with his famous slogan: "only you can prevent forest fires." In 2001, the slogan was updated to: "only you can prevent wildfires." Smokey has also appeared on postage stamps, billboards and even a hot-air balloon.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/08/09/smokey-bear-birthday-75-years-fire-prevention-mascot/1920497001/