Smokey Bear is arguably the most effective advertising campaign in American history—but Smokey’s message created a fear in many of us that’s led to a misunderstanding of fire.

In this first episode of California Burning, we explore what Smokey got wrong, and we learn how a series of unprecedented wildfires in the early twentieth-century started forest management policies that have contributed to the catastrophic wildfires we’re experiencing today.

Featuring Smokey Bear biographer James Lewis, and forest historians Steven Pyne and Char Miller.

Full transcripts of this episode, photos and links at californiaburning.net. All episodes also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.