This year marks Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. His message is as relevant and urgent as it was 80 years ago, reminding millions of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”
The beloved Smokey Bear Hot Air Balloon will be returning to Siskiyou County to take part in the Montague Hot Air Balloon Fair, September 20-22, 2024. The nearly 100-foot balloon towers over other balloons and is a centerpiece at the Fair, taking off just after first light each day (weather permitting) to fly in the spectacular Shasta Valley.
The Smokey Bear balloon is run by the Friends of the Smokey Bear Balloon and is based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the hot air ballooning capital of the world. This year, the enormous balloon will be piloted by Don Boyer.
The balloon envelope is made up of 4,670 square yards of rip-stop nylon, and when paired with the basket, heaters, and other equipment, it weighs in at a whopping 1,130 pounds. Each day, roughly 15 Klamath National Forest employees will work under the direction of crew chief Brittany Robertson to set up and inflate the balloon, as well as act as a chase crew to pack it upon its landing.
Smokey Bear has been the face of wildfire prevention since 1944 – a campaign that is the longest running public service campaign in United States history. This year marks Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. His message is as relevant and urgent as it was 80 years ago, reminding millions of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”
For more information about the Montague Balloon
