Governor Northam announced that August 2019 will be Virginia's Smokey Beach Awareness Month.
It celebrates the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign's 75th anniversary and reminds Virginians of their role in protecting the Commonwealth’s forestland.
In Virginia, 95 percent of wildfires are started from human activity, and more than half are caused by people burning trash and yard debris.
“Smokey Bear has educated generations of Virginians about the importance of preventing wildfires and preserving the Commonwealth’s natural beauty,” said Governor Northam. “With its iconic figure and memorable message, the campaign continues to remind Virginians that simple actions can make a big difference in protecting our forests and reducing the number of fires and acres lost across the Commonwealth each year.”