This Thursday, Kittery town witnessed the birthday celebrations of Smokey the Bear. Well the celebrations brought about a reason for the town to feel proud and make others jealous of it.

A large statue of the 68-years-old Smokey the Bear, the mascot of the US Forest Service, was made public at Kittery Visitors Center. No other New England community has such a life-sized statue. It’s one of its kinds, with installed at the entry of state-owned center on Interstate 95.

Children are majorly attracted by this statue, with majority of them wishing to click a photograph with it. This statue stands tall as a symbol, as a reminder, which would remind people that they have to protect the forests from being cut or put on fire.

The statue has been set up by the Maine Department of Transportation, with a sign of fire danger near to it, which makes the public aware of the dangers incurred due to forest fire.

Matt Gomes, regional U. S. Forest Service ranger for southern Maine, said “Its underlying message is serious. State and local fire officials have described their increasing concern over fire danger as the summer has progressed”.

Gomes added that the statue was purchased keeping in mind the severity of forest fires.