The majority of American adults can finish one infamous slogan from their youth. "Only You...Can Prevent Forest Fires," says Smokey Bear. Undoubtedly one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history, for most adults Smokey Bear conjures up images of savage blazes destroying trees, wildlife, homes, and anything else that dare cross its path. Yet, did the early years of Smokey Bear correctly portray the true nature of wildland fire or did it help to bring about the problem with wildland fire that we have today?

Throughout the summer, national television news anchors cover large fires throughout the United States from Alaska and Oregon to Florida and Texas. In this WebQuest you will learn about wildland fire then engage in a dialogue from another person's point of view about the positive and negative effects of wildland fire. As a group you will suggest a policy for managing it wisely.