LACoFD has installed five Smokey Bear Fire Danger Signs in three communities in the Santa Monica Mountains, in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Alliance. The signs have been installed at Fire Stations 70, 71 and 99 in Malibu, Topanga Fire Station 69 and at the Malibu Forestry Unit in Calabasas. The iconic, nationally recognized symbol of Smokey Bear will assist in raising public awareness of the fire danger that exists. These signs, and the Department’s new “Ready Set Go!” Program, are designed to help reinforce measures that residents can take now to prepare themselves and their homes in the event of a wildland fire. The mission of the Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Alliance, which falls under the leadership of Supervisor Yaroslavsky’s office and is a collaboration of appropriate public agencies, departments, and communities, is to find solutions and resources for property owners and land managers to improve stewardship of the wildland urban interface. The signs are funded by the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. The Alliance seeks to help create safer communities and protect natural areas by involving and educating stakeholders, sharing information, and locating and providing additional resources. At 65 years of age, Smokey Bear is the face of the longest running public service campaign in U.S. history. (Story and photo by CSR Maria Grycan)