WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the world of wildfire prevention, there is no greater honor than to receive a Smokey Bear Award. These special awards are reserved for people or organizations that provide outstanding service with significant and sustained program impact in the wildfire prevention arena.

There are many people throughout the Forest Service who have made significant efforts and contributions to the prevention of human caused fires. This is a great opportunity to recognize them for their dedication and accomplishments. Eligibility for the awards includes individuals or organizations that make outstanding contributions in wildfire prevention efforts including, but not limited to: educational activities, forest management, law enforcement, journalism, media coverage, advertising campaigns, engineering activities and informational programs. Having wildfire prevention duties as a part of one’s official job does not make a person ineligible.

All nominations for the 2022 Smokey Bear Awards must adhere to this criteria and be submitted to this online form through Dec. 15, 2021. Contact your regional fire prevention coordinator for assistance.

The earliest version of the Smokey Bear Awards began in the mid-1950s. Then and today, the awards program is led by the three partners behind the Smokey Bear wildfire prevention campaign—the National Association of State Foresters, the Ad Council and the USDA Forest Service.