**BREAKING: SMOKEY BEAR HEIST ROCKS SMALL TOWN, FIRE DEPARTMENT LEFT REELING**
In a daring daylight heist, a brazen thief made off with a priceless piece of firefighting history: a wooden Smokey Bear sign that had proudly stood watch outside the Oakdale Fire Department in Pennsylvania.
The sign, which has been a staple of the community for decades, was swiped while firefighters were busy battling a (thankfully) small blaze just a few blocks away. Sources close to the investigation revealed that the thieves seemed to know exactly what they were after, making a beeline for the sign and making off with it before anyone could react.
“It’s like they had a sixth sense for sniffing out Smokey,” said Chief John Smith of the Oakdale Fire Department. “We’re talking about a sign that’s been here longer than some of our firefighters have been alive. It’s a piece of our history, and we’re devastated to see it go.”
The sign, which features a cheerful Smokey Bear warning passersby to “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires,” is estimated to be worth a whopping $500… or roughly the cost of 100 pizzas.
“We’re urging anyone with information to come forward,” said Chief Smith. “We’re willing to offer a reward of… well, let’s just say we’ll give you a really nice fire department hat if you can help us get Smokey back.”
The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing footage from nearby security cameras and canvassing the area for witnesses. In the meantime, the Oakdale Fire Department is left to pick up the pieces and wonder: who would steal a Smokey Bear sign?
“It’s just not right,” said local resident and Smokey Bear enthusiast, Jane Doe. “I mean, what’s next? Are they going to steal the Dalmatian puppies from the firehouse too?”
The Oakdale Fire Department is urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring Smokey home. In the meantime, they’re forced to resort to using a hastily-made cardboard cutout of the beloved bear.
**IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE OAKDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT. AND IF YOU SEE ANYONE TRYING TO SELL A WOODEN SMOKEY BEAR SIGN ON THE BLACK MARKET, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CALL THE AUTHORITIES.**
