Smokey Bears ATV ad pulled

[Mudtramp]

Associated Press
Published on: 07/30/08
Washington —- Smokey Bear was unfair.

The Forest Service said Tuesday it has canceled a public service ad in which the iconic bear warned that sparks from off-road vehicles could start a wildfire.

Off-road groups had complained that the ad sent the wrong message that riders operating ATVs in a legal manner can start forest fires.

Forest Service officials said the ad was not intended to imply that all ATV use causes fires —- rather that fire prevention is always important, especially at a time of high fire danger.

Article Reference: Smokey Bear's ATV ad pulled | ajc.com

[wvyankee2]

I told them what I thought.

[Mudtramp]

that was good wv...

There are so many things that start fires.

Sparks from vehicles just pulled over onto the side of the street...you know the ones, half on the pavement and half on the talller grass

Cigarettes being thrown by virtually anyone who thinks that the dirt on the ground will put it out on its own

People not smothering or watering out their campfires.....

Why they would point out one particular group amazes me...and I'm glad they pulled the ad

[Mayhem]

Geesh...The bullsheet gets deep..

[SABINE RIVER RAT]

WE ARE THE EASIST GROUP TO BLAME EVERYTHING ON.

[reedo]

i dont think the ad was ment to be bad not everyone rides with the thought on their mind. their were tring to put a funny spin to the point that just be care full. i was one of the lucky ones that started a fire riding in the late fall on a stock articat. the grass some how got next to my exhaust and set fire to the grass around me. when i finally put the fire out we lost 2 acres. i was 50 feet from water and the ground was wet. so it happens to even the ones that have been riding along time. i carry a fire extinguisher now. Play Hard - Ride Smart

[Mudtramp]

Hey reedo...hate to hear that happened to you and glad you were ok....

The point I was making above was that there are many ways to start fires...why not try to make up an ad stating many different ways instead of pinpointing one group.

The whole exhaust thing happens on "all" vehicles, not just ATV's. (trucks, cars, tractors, lawnmowers - virtually anything that has a motor/exhaust etc....). I also think that was what the off road groups were trying to say as well + even bicycle riders that smoke can start a fire...just toss that cigarette to the side while pedaling, it happens. Also, campers...it just takes one smoldering cinder and there goes many many acres in one swoop.

Off-Roading activities get so much negative publicity as it is, that this sport/hobby just doesn't need one more.

[guitarbug]

Oh we live in such a safe world now! So dam safe you cannot live anymore! Boy do i miss the dangerous world we use to live in, seems like most of us made it through. At least I have been OK for 44 years now. I really miss lawn jarts, lol...

[Ccrane]

Ya know, they throw an absolute FIT about "no picking up of downed firewood"

Downed firewood only creates more of a fire hazard.... and yet we're not allowed to pick it up in state-run or government operated (dept. of parks & wildlife) ORV facilities.

But by all means, lets blame ATV's..... that are required to meet STRINGENT emissions requirements and utilize those ridiculous performance-killing spark arresters.

A**holes.

Ok... I'm done now.

[ridermark]

Originally Posted by wvyankee2

I told them what I thought.

That is as good as it comes....