Cram Fire nears megafire status in Central Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Cram Fire, approaching the 100,000-acre megafire status, continues to burn in Central Oregon about 15 miles north of Madras. However, cooler temps and lower wind speeds this weekend “will likely moderate fire behavior,” officials said Saturday.

The fire, which began July 13, is now estimated at 95,769 acres with 775 personnel actively engaged in the battle.

Evacuations remain in effect. Jefferson, Wasco and Crook County Sheriffs have issued Level 3 (Go Now), Level 2 (Be Set), and Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuations across multiple zones.

• Jefferson County evacuations
• Wasco County evacuations
• Crook County evacuations

Despite the large fire, officials said there are no closures to Bureau of Land Management land “at this time.” But conditions are constantly monitored and may change.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Cram Fire was sparked by a transformer in the area. However, the cause remains under investigation.

In recent years, Oregon has seen several megafires during peak fire season, including six in 2020 alone.

That historic season burned well over a million acres of land statewide. Last summer also brought significant megafire activity and burned more acreage than in the 2020 season.

The KOIN 6 Weather team will continue to monitor wildfire dangers and wildfire smoke impacts as the season heads into the hottest and driest stretch of the year.