An Idaho-based off-road vehicle group is asking the Forest Service to withdraw a public service ad featuring Smokey Bear.
The BlueRibbon Coalition says the ad is misleading and unfair, and sends the message that off-road vehicles are to blame for starting forest fires even when operated properly. In the ad, Smokey Bear tells two all-terrain vehicle riders not to start their vehicles in a national forest because the ATVs give off sparks that could start a wildfire.
The coalition has written letters urging the Forest Service and the Ad Council, which produced the 30-second spot, to withdraw the ad. The Forest Service says the ad is under review. (AP)