On Saturday, August 8, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Friends of Fort Vancouver, National Park Service and Red Cross will be celebrating Smokey Bear’s 82nd birthday at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center at 10 am.

Kids and their families are invited to this free event for fun activities, to learn about wildfire prevention, domestic house fires and, of course, wish Smokey Bear a happy birthday in person.

Smokey’s birthday will be held at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Tables set up by the Forestry service and Red Cross will be present at the event, educating the public on wildfire safety, campfire safety and Domestic house fire safety. Children’s activities will also be available. Smokey Bear-themed items will also be for sale in the Friends of Fort Vancouver bookstore.

The real Smokey Bear was a little cub saved by firefighters during a wildfire in New Mexico. His paws were badly burned when he clung to a smoking, burned out tree. News of the little bear’s rescue spread quickly across the nation and soon became a national icon for promoting fire safety and wildfire prevention. He received so many gifts of honey and an outpouring of mail that he was assigned his own private zip code!

Fees This event is free to attend.

Contact Information: Trent Roth, 360.816.6230, Contact Us

Learn more about Smokey and his message of fire safety at smokeybear.com