For decades, Smokey Bear has been teaching us about the dangers of wildfires, but some of that advice may be to blame for California's devastating wildfires.

Was there ever a real Smokey Bear? Kind of. In 1950, crews battling a wildfire in New Mexico heard there was a bear cub alone near the fire line. The blaze nearly killed about 30 firefighters ...

Smokey Bear paintings and activities are planned at Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher and Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville.

You can learn more about who can prevent forest fires at the new Smokey Bear exhibit at four Forest Preserve District of Will County visitor centers.