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Smokey Bear To Fly Along Jersey Shore For 82nd Birthday

Source: Jersey Shore Online · Jul 28, 2026, 6:15 PM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

Smokey Bear waving from a helicopter flying along the New Jersey coastline during his 82nd birthday celebration

Smokey Bear, the iconic mascot of the U.S. Forest Service, will mark his 82nd birthday with a special helicopter tour along the New Jersey coastline on Sunday, August 9.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service will fly Smokey aboard a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter—commonly known as a "Huey"—along the coast from Wildwood Crest to Asbury Park, where he'll wave to beachgoers.

This celebratory flight combines public safety awareness with a festive tribute to the long-running wildfire prevention campaign.

Key points

  • Smokey Bear celebrates his 82nd birthday with a helicopter flight along the New Jersey coast on August 9
  • The flight departs from Wildwood Crest and travels north to Asbury Park, offering beachgoers a chance to see the iconic mascot
  • A New Jersey Forest Fire Service Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter (Huey) will carry Smokey on the birthday tribute flight

FAQ

What date is Smokey Bear's helicopter flight along the Jersey Shore?
Smokey Bear's birthday helicopter flight is scheduled for Sunday, August 9. The flight will travel along the New Jersey coastline from Wildwood Crest to Asbury Park.
Why is Smokey Bear celebrating his birthday with a helicopter flight?
The flight is a special way to celebrate Smokey Bear's 82nd birthday while promoting wildfire prevention awareness. Flying along the Jersey Shore allows the iconic mascot to wave to beachgoers and engage the public about forest fire safety.
Which helicopter is being used for the flight?
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is providing a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, commonly known as a "Huey," for Smokey Bear's birthday flight along the coast.

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