Michelle Moore, a forester with the Texas A&M Forest Service, has been awarded the prestigious bronze Smokey Bear award for her creation of a wildfire prevention resource guide tailored to the needs of Texas communities.
As reported by Texas A&M Forest Service, Moore’s work has provided crucial tools for volunteer fire departments, the general public, and her colleagues.
The guide, titled “Introduction to Fire Prevention,” is a first-of-its-kind virtual resource designed to improve wildfire prevention across the state.
Moore’s commitment to fire prevention extends beyond the guide.
She also developed specialized training kits for pet rescue and adoption centers in East Texas.
These kits include homeowner prevention and mitigation materials, evacuation resources, and pet-specific emergency resources, aimed at improving community preparedness in wildfire-prone areas.
Moore’s contributions to fire prevention have been instrumental in supporting the Texas A&M Forest Service’s mission.
During the wildfire seasons of 2021/2022 and 2023, she conducted fire prevention activities and presentations across 25 counties in East Texas.
This extensive outreach highlighted the need for a more accessible platform for prevention resources, leading to the development of the virtual guide.
Karen Stafford, a program coordinator at Texas A&M Forest Service, praised Moore’s initiative.
Stafford said: “Michelle was instrumental in the construction and launch of this program that creates a way to share these valuable resources for those with diverse needs across the state.”
This sentiment was echoed as the training’s impact grew, underscoring the importance of making fire prevention information widely available.
The bronze Smokey Bear award, established in 1962, is the highest honor given to individuals for their contributions to wildfire prevention within a state.
The award is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council.
Moore’s recognition marks a significant milestone in her career, as her efforts have made a measurable difference in Texas.
Moore’s role as a forester involves sustainable forest management and silviculture in East Texas.
Her passion for fire prevention has led her to go beyond her regular duties, resulting in her recognition with this prestigious award.
Her work aligns with the long-standing mission of Smokey Bear to prevent wildfires, a message that remains as crucial as ever.
As Smokey Bear celebrates his 80th birthday this month, his message of wildfire prevention continues to resonate across the United States.
First introduced on August 9, 1944, Smokey Bear has become an enduring symbol of fire safety.
The character was created during World War II to protect valuable timber resources, and his message, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” has since become part of American cultural heritage.
The relevance of Smokey Bear’s mission is underscored by the fact that around 80% of wildfires in the U.S. are caused by human activity.
This statistic highlights the ongoing need for public education on fire safety, a task to which both Smokey Bear and individuals like Michelle Moore are dedicated.
Michelle Moore, a forester with Texas A&M Forest Service, has been awarded the bronze Smokey Bear award for her creation of a Texas-specific wildfire prevention resource guide.
The guide, “Introduction to Fire Prevention,” was developed to assist volunteer fire departments, the public, and agency personnel.
Moore also created fire prevention training kits for pet rescue centers in East Texas.
Her efforts have been recognized as essential in promoting fire safety across the state.
The bronze Smokey Bear award is the highest honor for state-level wildfire prevention efforts and is sponsored by USDA Forest Service and others.
