PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 17, 2020
The Smokey Bear program began more than 75 years ago as a national campaign to promote wildland fire safety. While we cannot prevent all wildfires, an ounce of prevention goes a long way toward the pound of cure. 2020 is a record-breaking year, and our season is not over yet. We cannot prevent every source of ignition, all the time. However, the data illustrates that people cause many wildfires, and sensible wildfire prevention practices can reduce wildfire costs and physical loss. Wildfires are an inevitable part of our lives across the U.S. The MFS has and will take necessary steps to protect landowners and Maine people. ~ Bill Hamilton, chief forest ranger, Maine Forest Service