Smokey’s debut poster was released on August 9, 1944

Smokey Bear, sometimes referred to as Smokey the Bear or simply Smokey
is a mascot for the U.S. Forest Service. The campaign was created by The
Advertising Council to help educate the public about the dangers of forest
fires. The initial slogan was, “Smokey Says-Care will prevent 9 out of 10
Forest Fires” and was changed in 1947 to, “Remember…Only You Can
Prevent Forest Fires”. According to the Ad Council, Smokey Bear and
his message are recognized by 95% of adults and 77% of children in
the U.S.

In 2001, the poster slogan was officially amended to replace "forest
fires" with "wildfires," as a reminder that other areas ,such as
grasslands are also in danger of burning.