Smokey the Bear visited the North Battleford Library last week.
Before Smokey came out to give all the kids a big bear hug, Walter Matieyshen from wildfire management in Prince Albert told the kids a bit about fire safety. He told the kids how fires are started, how to put them out and how to ensure they won't restart.
The kids where anxious to see Smokey, but before they got to see him they got to learn his history. Smokey the bear was invented after a huge fire in New Mexico. As the firefighters tried to extinguish the fire the wind direction changed. They had to run for cover and found a cave to hide in until the fire passed.
When it was safe they left the cave and saw a baby bear holding onto a burning tree. They took him to the camp, not being able to see his mother. They put bandages on his feet, but realized they would not be able to care for him and carry out their firefighting duties.
They found a farm and asked the people if they will care for the bear. They agreed and after some thought they decided to name it Smokey because of the smoky conditions they found him in. At the same time fire safety organizations was looking for a mascot and when they heard of Smokey they decided to use this bear. Canada officially adopted Smokey in 1950.
