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5f� <br />PROCLAMATION <br />CONGRATULATING SMOKEY BEAR <br />IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA <br />WHEREAS, on August 9, 2014, Smokey Bear celebrated his 70th birthday which also marks his wildfire <br />prevention campaign as the longest running public service campaign in United States history. Smokey's <br />message is as relevant today as people are living closer and closer to natural areas — so, no retirement for <br />Smokey!; and <br />WHEREAS, the Florida Forest Service, Okeechobee District, is responsible for educating the public in <br />the best practices to prevent wildfires and educating homeowners on how to reduce their wildlife risk in a six <br />county area, including Indian River County; and <br />WHEREAS, in the last five years, Florida Forest Service, Okeechobee District, State Wildland <br />Firefighters have responded to over 134 wildfires in Indian River County that burned 3,012 acres; and <br />WHEREAS, when the Florida Forest Service is NOT actively engaged in fighting wildfires they are <br />conducting prescribed burns, mowing and chopping vegetative fuels in high wildfire risks areas in Indian River <br />County to reduce the size and intensity of a wildfire near communities. In the last five years, the Florida Forest <br />service provided 4,163 burn authorizations to local ranchers, farmers and land managers to prune, clean and <br />remove insects and exotics. <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF <br />INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the Board does hereby congratulate Smokey Bear on his 70th <br />birthday and his continued efforts to remind citizens to be careful when using fire in natural areas. <br />BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Board commends the men and women of the Florida Forest <br />Service for their partnership with Indian River County and Smokey Bear in wildfire prevention and mitigation. <br />Duly adopted this 19th day of August, 2014 <br />BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br />INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA <br />Peter D. O'Bryan, Chairman <br />Wesle S. Davis, ee Chairman <br />0 <br />ph l /Flescher <br />Bob Solari <br />Twp <br />rc <br />