Wildfire Awareness Month takes place in May of 2020 in the State of South Dakota.

To kick it off, South Dakota Wildland Fire is calling all kids, ages three through 12, to showcase their artistic abilities in the 2020 Wildfire Awareness Month Coloring Contest.

This year’s entries will reflect the theme, “Wildfires Are Coming, Are You Ready?”

All children, ages three through 12, living in South Dakota are eligible to participate.

All entries must be postmarked by April 24, 2020.

Only one entry per child is allowed and submitted coloring sheets must be completed by the child with no outside assistance. Each entry must include a completed entry form. Paint, markers, crayons or colored pencils may be used.

The contest will have two age brackets with a prize awarded to each group.

Group 1 (Ages Three Through Seven) – Contestants submit the official “Brother and Sister” coloring sheet.

Group 2 (Ages Eight Through 12) – Contestants submit the official “Drown Your Campfire” coloring sheet.

“During these times while kids remain at home due to COVID-19, this is a great activity to keep them busy,” states a spokesman.

A large Smokey Bear plush toy will be awarded to the contest winners in each category on or before May 31, 2020.

Coloring sheets will not be returned.

The coloring sheets may be downloaded and printed from the South Dakota Wildfire Awareness Month website.

All submissions must be mailed/delivered to South Dakota Wildland Fire Division, Attention: Casey Warren, 3305 West South Street, Rapid City, SD 57702.

For more information, persons may contact Casey Warren at 605- 390-2619 or e-mail at casey.warren@state.sd.us.

South Dakota Wildland Fire Division may be found on Facebook by searching SD Wildland Fire and on Twitter @SDWildlandFire.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating ^$ 32.5 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 132,000 South Dakotans. Persons may visit on-line at sdda.sd.gov or find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.