*Smokey Bear images are included below the release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2023

Contact: Jim Britt and Kent Nelson

***Media Advisory***

?Wildfire Awareness Week?
A Campaign to Underscore Elevated Wildfire Risk In Maine

Augusta, MAINE ? To begin Maine Wildfire Awareness Week, created to protect natural resources and property and reduce risk to human life, Maine Forest Service Director Patty Cormier and Chief Forest Ranger Robby Gross will speak briefly about the importance of wildfire prevention, read Governor Mills' Wildfire Awareness Week Proclamation, and present iconic, wildfire-themed Smokey Bear artwork on loan from USDA?s National Agricultural Library, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

WHO:?Maine Forest Service Director Patty Cormier, and Chief Forest Ranger Robby Gross, invited officials ?

WHAT: Maine Wildfire Awareness Week press conference

WHEN: Tuesday, April 18, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Maine State Library, 242 State St., Augusta

RSVP to Jim Britt (207) 480-0558, or Forest Ranger Specialist?Kent Nelson (207) 650-0280

A note about heightened?wildfire risk: The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Forest Protection Division urges caution and preparedness for spring wildfire season. Maine has already experienced over 40 wildfires, consuming over 100 acres, in 2023. Spring weather conditions are extremely conducive to wildfires. Ninety percent of all wildfires are caused by people, destroying natural resources and property and threatening human life.

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Examples of Smokey Bear iconic artwork on display in Maine, starting with Tuesday's Wildfire Awareness Week press conference:?

? Title:?Why? Creator: Rudy Wendelin Source:?Rudy Wendelin Gallery

Title: High Five for Firr Prevention Creator: Rudy Wendelin Source:?Rudy Wendelin Gallery