Standing Watch: Smokey Bear’s New Post at the Gateway to the Morongo Basin and the Road to Joshua Tree
MORONGO VALLEY, CA — On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, just after noon, the high desert sun shone brightly over the top of the Morongo Grade as a new figure took its place among the rugged Joshua trees and rocky outcrops—a figure as iconic as the landscape itself.
Standing tall and resolute beside the bustling artery of Highway 62, a newly installed Smokey Bear fire danger sign now greets every vehicle entering the Morongo Basin, a region where wildfire awareness is as critical as the desert air is dry.
This installation wasn’t just another roadside addition. It was a statement—a bold reminder that wildfire prevention starts with each person who passes through this fire-prone gateway. Desert Region Fire Safe (DRFS) commissioned and installed the sign, strategically positioned where thousands of residents and tourists bound for Joshua Tree National Park pass daily. The Morongo Valley Community Services District and Fire Department (MVFD) will maintain the fire danger levels displayed, ensuring the sign remains a dynamic and current resource for the community.
A Timely Message in Shifting Conditions
At the time of the unveiling, the fire danger level on the sign read “HIGH,” reflective of the morning’s conditions. But as the afternoon sun climbed higher, stronger winds and dropping humidity shifted that warning to “VERY HIGH”—a stark, real-time demonstration of how quickly fire risks can escalate in the desert environment.
“This sign is more than just a roadside marker—it’s a reality check,” said Justin Merino, Director of Wildfire Mitigation and Resilience at Desert Region Fire Safe, headquartered in Yucca Valley. “Every driver who passes it enters a region where one careless moment can have devastating consequences. In the desert, fire doesn’t just spread—it races. Dry brush, high winds, and rugged terrain turn small sparks into fast-moving threats in no time.
This message isn’t just for visitors heading to Joshua Tree; it’s for everyone who lives, works, and calls the Basin home. Chief McEachen of the Morongo Valley Fire Department has been a standout advocate for fire safety, and we’re proud to have Morongo Valley—the gatekeeper to the Basin—as a key player in the Fire Safe movement.”
Desert Region Fire Safe Volunteers install the Fire Danger sign on Highway 62 in Morongo Valley.
The Unveiling: A Community Commitment
Photos from the event capture the dedication of DRFS volunteers, clad in high-visibility vests and hard hats, working diligently to secure the sign against the vast desert backdrop. The unmistakable figure of Smokey Bear, flanked by DRFS leadership and MVFD representatives, added both gravitas and familiarity to the moment—his timeless message echoing across generations: “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”
Chief Ryan McEachen of MVFD reflected on the sign’s significance, saying, “When you’re in fire service long enough, you realize that prevention isn’t just a program—it’s a culture. This sign is part of building that culture. It’s not just about today’s fire danger level. It’s about creating a mental checkpoint every time someone drives past—a moment to ask, ‘Am I being careful enough?’”
Smokey Bear, Justin Merino of Desert Region Fire Safe and Chief McEachen unveil the Fire Danger sign on Highway 62 in Morongo Valley.
The Desert’s Fragile Resilience
The Morongo Basin may appear rugged and resilient, but its beauty belies its vulnerability. The arid, wind-swept terrain is a tinderbox, where even a single spark can ignite devastating wildfires. Unlike regions with defined fire seasons, the desert is at risk year-round. Fire doesn’t wait for permission—it thrives on carelessness, dry brush, and shifting winds.
As wildfires become more frequent and intense across California, proactive measures like this sign serve as critical reminders that prevention is a shared responsibility. The new Smokey Bear sign isn’t just an installation—it’s a call to action, standing watch over a landscape that relies on its community to keep it safe.
Funding for this project was provided by a grant from the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection through the California Climate Investments program to Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council.
Before: Aged and broken sign that was replaced.
After: Functioning and iconic sign to get folks attention.