Extreme Fire Danger Sign, Iron Range, Minnesota

Smokey Bear has appeared on fire danger warning signs since the U.S. Forest Service launched the prevention campaign in 1944, later adopting the "Only you can prevent forest fires." Signs like this one use an adjustable gauge to alert travelers to current wildfire risk levels, ranging from low to extreme. Minnesota's Iron Range, a region of dense forest and dry underbrush north of Babbitt, sees these postings along roadsides during periods of low rainfall.

Photo taken in August 2021.