Since 1944, Smokey Bear has been the symbol of the protection of America’s forests. More than 60 years later, he is still wearing his blue jeans, but his trademark line has received an update.  It’s now: “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”  And for good reason- the destruction of land by fire has expanded beyond just the forest.

“Wildfire” refers to any uncontrolled, outdoor fire.  The year 2000 marked one of the greatest acreage losses to wildfire since 1957. Eight million acres burned that year (about the size of New Hampshire), and of that more than 3 million acres were lost due to fires caused by humans.

The SCV Disaster Coalition was created in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Santa Clarita Valley Disaster Coalition is the local source for collecting and dispensing funds and gift cards to those who have suffered loss as a result of a natural disaster or community-wide emergency.

(Click here to learn more about this organization)

Click here to read a KHTS article on how local Santa Clarita school kids honored or local firefighters for their school!

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