Smokey Bear celebrates 82nd birthday in Central Oregon with wildfire prevention message

(Update: adding comments from National Forest employee)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregonians gathered at the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station on Sunday to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 82nd birthday while learning how they can help prevent wildfires.

The party featured photo opportunities, cupcakes, and activities for children. The Deschutes National Forest co-hosted the event with Discover Your Northwest, a nonprofit organization that supports public lands and visitor education.

Despite the festivities, Smokey’s longstanding wildfire prevention message remained central to the celebration.

“I think he’s a symbol of the West and the history we have here in the West with wildfire and our relationship with it,” said Travis Surplus, a fire prevention technician with the Deschutes National Forest.

Smokey Bear’s wildfire prevention campaign began in 1944. Today, nearly nine in 10 unwanted wildfires are caused by people, making the campaign’s message especially relevant in Central Oregon.

“We’re celebrating Smokey Bear’s 82nd birthday, and we’re using this opportunity to remind everyone that we are in public fire use restrictions right now — stage two,” Surplus said. “That means no campfires are allowed anywhere in the Deschutes National Forest, although propane is allowed.”

Officials urged visitors to check current restrictions before heading outdoors, secure tow chains so they do not drag, avoid parking on dry grass, and use outdoor equipment carefully.

Surplus also thanked the public for supporting crews during a busy wildfire season.

“Our firefighters are working extremely long hours away from their families right now, so having public support really makes a difference,” he said.

Organizers hope the event’s youngest guests will carry Smokey’s prevention message into his next 82 years.

Additional wildfire prevention tips are available at SmokeyBear.com⁠.