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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Paula Rosenthal
Fire & Aviation Management
Montana DNRC (406) 542-4235 or (406) 370-5334
Pat Cross, DNRC Fire Prevention Specialist
(406) 542-4251
May 8, 2008
Smokey Bear Balloon Touring Montana for Wildfire Awareness Week May 12-16
MISSOULA, Mont. – During the week of May 12-16, Montanans in and around the communities of Missoula, Kalispell, Helena, Lewistown and Billings might, upon looking to the skies, glimpse a hot air balloon bearing the image of fire prevention icon Smokey Bear. For the first time, the acclaimed Smokey Bear Balloon is touring Montana as part of this year's Wildfire Awareness Week.
Dates and locations for the Smokey Bear Balloon appearances are: Kalispell (May 12th), Missoula (May 13th), Helena (May 14th), Lewistown (May 15th), and Billings (May 16th).
The Smokey Bear Balloon was built and sent aloft by a unique public/private partnership of volunteers, private sponsors, National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and the US Forest Service (USFS). A special and new way to educate and excite the public about fire prevention, the balloons have enlivened and enlightened tens of thousands of older and younger generations in America, Canada, and the world, renewing interest in wildfire prevention practices. Equipped with a special trailer offering a full range of environmental and educational opportunities, the Smokey Bear Balloons continue to thrill countless Americans with a new and exciting knowledge about wildfire prevention.
The Montana tour is sponsored by the Northern Rockies Prevention Committee, and funded by the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Montana DNRC with additional assistance from a FEMA fire prevention grant. Within each community stop on the tour, volunteers from these agencies as well as local government and service organizations will conduct events on the ground. Planned events vary by location and include activities for school children, educational displays and the opportunity to visit with local firefighters.
Wildfire Awareness Week is an annual campaign to remind the public of the importance of preventing human caused wildfires. The most common human-caused fires in Montana result from debris burns that get away from landowners, while abandoned campfires are the second most common. For information regarding debris burning and campfire safety, contact your local fire agency or visit the Montana DNRC Web site at www.dnrc.mt.gov.
###DNRC###
John Grassy
Public Information Officer
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
(406) 444-0465
