Authored by CWSF Communications Intern Autumn Oberhart
Last month, Smokey Bear celebrated his 80th birthday, and the celebrations spanned across the United States. Smokey, the beloved symbol of wildfire prevention, has been reminding generations of Americans about the dangers of wildfires since 1944. His original message, “Smokey Says – Care Will Prevent 9 out of 10 Forest Fires,” has evolved over the years to emphasize that “Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires,” in response to wildfires in natural areas other than forests and to clarify that Smokey is promoting the prevention of unwanted and unplanned fires versus prescribed fires.
Smokey Bear’s legacy as the face of fire prevention makes him the longest-running public service campaign in U.S. history, and his 80th birthday was marked with events, tributes, and education initiatives all over the country.
Western States Go All Out for Smokey’s Birthday
In the Western U.S., Smokey Bear’s birthday brought communities together with fun events aimed at spreading fire prevention awareness.
California: At the California State Fair, “Camp Smokey,” hosted by CAL FIRE, USDA Forest Service (Forest Service), Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Firefighters Burn Initiative, turned into a multi-day extravaganza of puppet shows, fire prevention stations, and a festive party for Smokey. The Southern California Mountains Foundation hosted nature tours, forestry chats, and activities as part of the celebration.
Guam: Guam’s Department of Agriculture's Forestry & Soil Resources Division (FSRD) hosted an outreach event at a community outdoor theatre for Smokey’s birthday. They had food trucks, games, information sessions, and a special award ceremony to recognize those who went above and beyond during fire season.
Kansas: Kansas Forest Service celebrated by partnering with the National Association of State Foresters and loaned historical Smokey Bear paintings by Rudy Wendelin from the USDA National Agricultural Library. Smokey visited over 20 Kansas libraries to promote his summer reading program. See where Smokey has traveled in Kansas this summer with this interactive map!
Montana: Smokey Bear was put front and center in Montana, where human-caused fires account for 75% of wildfires. At the Western Montana Fair, Smokey made appearances and guests enjoyed readings of “The Smokey Bear Story,” along with photo ops and goodie bags. A special 12-day event in West Yellowstone featured the Rudy Wendelin Smokey Bear Painting Tour, showcasing Wendelin’s famous Smokey artwork across multiple locations, celebrating Smokey’s legacy through art.
New Mexico: For New Mexico, Smokey’s birthday was personal—his character was inspired by a black bear cub found clinging to a tree after a forest fire in the state. The Smokey Bear Historical Park hosted a weekend of events, including arts and crafts, a chainsaw carving contest, and a firefighter challenge, all culminating in a parade to honor Smokey’s message of fire prevention.
Washington: The Washington Department of Natural Resources celebrated with a birthday party in Olympia, complete with food, photos, and booths sharing vital information on campfire safety and defensible spaces.
Wyoming: Smokey’s 80th was marked by festivities at Jackson Lake Lodge, hosted by the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park. Partygoers enjoyed trivia, games like “pin the hat on Smokey,” and a birthday cake! Smokey bounced between Jackson’s Town Square and the Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, meeting fans and giving away Smokey gear.
Other Western States Join the Party
Across the Western states and the country, Smokey Bear’s birthday was celebrated with educational activities, art contests, and public events. His 80th birthday was also celebrated nationwide through the Smokey Bear Summer Reading Challenge, which took place in libraries across the country.
Smokey is How Old?
As Smokey turns 80, it’s fun to recognize how much the world has changed since he first began his campaign in 1944. Here are some things that were created after Smokey:
- Microwaves
- Velcro
- Lasers
- Eggo Waffles
- The United Nations
- Mobile Phones
- Diet Coke
- Council of Western State Foresters
Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday was a perfect reminder of the role we all play in preventing wildfires. From coast to coast, the celebrations not only honored the bear but also continued his life-saving mission to educate and inspire future generations. Let’s keep Smokey’s legacy alive for another 80 years and beyond!