Push for ‘Smokey Bear’ license plate to launch with signature campaign

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — An effort to create Washington’s first-ever “Smokey Bear” license plate will launch on Monday.

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz will be joined by local leaders and firefighters at West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station 20 in Lakewood to announce the plan.

The first step is a signature campaign for legislation to establish the plate.

A petition with 3,500 collected signatures is required before the Department of Licensing can consider a plate series.

The goals of the plate include:

• Allow people to show support for firefighters.
• Support efforts to lower the number of wildfires caused by humans.
• Generate revenue that will go toward wildfire suppression efforts.
• Raise public awareness of wildfire prevention.

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