Sparky the Fire Dog®, the official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), marks his 65th birthday on March 18th. Sparky is legendary. You’d be hard-pressed to find a child or adult who doesn’t know him, remember him, or recall his enduring life safety messages. For more than six decades, Sparky has worked hard to make communities safer from fire. He deserves to celebrate his milestone birthday in a big way, thus his 65th Birthday Bucket List campaign, which officially launches this week. In the coming months, Sparky will enjoy chance-of-a-lifetime excursions, must-have meetups, unforgettable learning opportunities, and cool collaborations with others who have made fire safety their mission.
Since 1951, Sparky has partnered with fire professionals, teachers, civic organizations, corporations and the media to deliver invaluable fire and life safety educational messages to children and adults alike. Over the years, the iconic fire dog has used a multitude of educational techniques, including books, tip sheets, online resources, videos, apps and NFPA’s national public safety campaign, Fire Prevention Week, to share important safety messages like “Stop, drop and roll”; “Get out, stay out”; “Dial 9-1-1”; and “Know two ways out.” His dogged determination has ultimately helped reduce fire loss and injuries in North America.
“Sparky’s 65th Birthday Bucket List campaign is a fun, creative way for NFPA, educational partners and fire departments to share invaluable fire safety messages in the coming months,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. ”Our partners love the idea of Sparky’s bucket list and look forward to following his escapades, sharing key fire prevention messages and making communities safer in the process.”
Sparky recently jump-started his 65th Birthday Bucket List celebration when he ticked off two items on his wish list by riding the ice resurfacer and making his HDX screen debut during the Boston Bruin’s inaugural First Responder Night at TD Garden. The revelry will continue through Fire Prevention Week in October, and includes birthday benchmarks such as visiting the pyramids, zip lining, throwing out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game, hanging with celebrities, meeting up with his long-time pal Smokey the Bear, going back to school, and other great experiences. Be sure to follow Sparky’s adventures on Twitter, Facebook, or visit Sparky’s website for fire safety educational materials.
