Smokey Bear Awaits Movie Release, July 18

The anticipation is mounting as movie-goers await the newest Disney adventure, “Planes: Fire and Rescue.” The animated feature, which will hit theatres July 18, captures the essence of wildland firefighting and will remind all audiences of the devastation fire brings. Smokey Bear, the Ad Council and the National Association of State Foresters have teamed up with Disney to raise fire prevention awareness encouraging folks to take the proper steps when putting their campfire out.  Check out the fire prevention message at: www.psacentral.org/campaign/Wildfire_Prevention/asset/Smokey_Bear$Planes-_Wingman/189280004 .  The 2014 fire season is already proving to be a challenge. Drought conditions persist throughout the region and fire danger has already begun reaching record highs during these early summer months. Fire officials throughout Oregon and Washington are reminding everyone to be extra vigilant throughout the remainder of the summer. By practicing simple fire prevention measures, human-caused fires can be prevented.  If you want to have a campfire, check and see if campfires are allowed where you will be staying. If so, build the fire in a safe area free of vegetation and away from overhanging limbs. The best place for a campfire is in a well-maintained campground complete with established fire pits. Have a bucket of water and shovel nearby at all times. Never leave a campfire unattended and put the fire out before going to bed or leaving the site.  Leave fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition and sky lanterns at home. These items are not only notorious for sparking fires, they are illegal in most areas.  Finally, keep your vehicle on gravel or paved roads free of vegetation. Never leave your car or truck idling along the side of the road over dry grass. When traveling on forest roads, carry a shovel and a gallon of water or charged fire extinguisher.  Let’s all be part of the solution in protecting our forests and grasslands from the next human-caused fire.