Latest news with #CentralOregonFireInformation
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Cram Fire in Oregon rages as it nears megafire status
Firefighters in central Oregon worked Monday to gain control over a massive blaze that has triggered evacuations, destroyed four homes and threatened hundreds of other buildings. The Cram Fire, which has become the largest wildfire this year, has charred 150 square miles of land, an area larger than the size of Las Vegas. The blaze broke out on July 13 and burned for several days before undergoing explosive growth fueled by strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity. It was at 49% containment as of Sunday, July 20. The fire ignited near Willowdale, a sparsely populated area about 133 miles southeast of Portland, and swept through grasslands and rangeland in the region, fire officials said. The cause of the blaze is unclear and remains under investigation, officials said. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place across at least three counties, including Jefferson, Wasco and Crook County, according to the Central Oregon Fire Information. In a statement on July 20, fire officials said they anticipate cooler weather, possible rain and higher humidity to "moderate fire behavior."
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Cram Fire in Oregon, the nation's largest blaze in 2025, nears megafire status
The Cram Fire in central Oregon became the nation's largest wildfire this year as the blaze neared 100,000 acres on July 20, destroying four homes and threatening hundreds of structures, authorities said. The fire, which broke out on July 13, exploded in size over recent days after hot and dry conditions and gusty winds increased wildfire risks in parts of the state. Fire crews were challenged during the week by changing wind directions and rugged, steep terrain, but cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels over the weekend are expected to help firefighting efforts. By 9 a.m. local time on July 20, the fire had expanded to 95,748 acres and was 49% contained, according to the Central Oregon Fire Information. The size of the fire was "slightly reduced" from July 19 after "more accurate mapping" was completed, officials said on the fire's information page. "Crews are building on the progress made yesterday and overnight," according to a July 20 update on the fire's information page. "Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are creating better conditions for mop-up work, especially along the fire perimeter and around structures." The fire ignited near Willowdale, a sparsely populated area about 133 miles southeast of Portland, and swept through grasslands and rangeland in the region, fire officials said. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Local authorities in Jefferson, Wasco, and Crook counties have issued evacuation orders or warnings across multiple zones. A total of four residences and two other structures were destroyed in the fire, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The Cram Fire is one of at least 46 active wildfires, most of which have been contained, in Oregon, according to the state's fires and hotspots dashboard. The fire also leads the list of wildfire incidents in 2025, followed by the Madre Fire in central California that has burned nearly 81,000 acres, according to InciWeb, a federal government wildfire tracker. Arizona wildfire: The Grand Canyon fire exploded in size, catching officials off guard. Why? Cram Fire nears megafire status as officials warn of worsening wildfire conditions The Cram Fire has grown increasingly close to becoming Oregon's first megafire of the season. A megafire is defined by the National Interagency Fire Center as a wildfire that burns more than 100,000 acres of land. Fire officials said more than 900 personnel were responding to the blaze in addition to 88 fire engines, 18 handcrews, and eight helicopters. The Central Oregon Fire Information noted on July 20 that while fire behavior has moderated, crews continued to focus on gridding near the fire's perimeter and reducing materials that have the potential of fueling spot fires. "Yesterday was another favorable day with us with the weather, and so a lot of good work was done," Scott Stutzman, operations section chief of the Oregon State Fire Marshal, said in a video update on July 20. "We'll have those crews out there continuing to maintain a presence mopping up, and also assisting our wildland partners on the perimeter." On July 16, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency that will last through the end of the year "due to the imminent threat of wildfire." Multiple large wildfires have already exploded in 2025, largely east of the Cascade Range, according to the Salem Statesman Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. Oregon's wildfire danger is forecast to remain above normal through summer, the Salem Statesman Journal reported. "Oregon is already experiencing a devastating wildfire season that will have lasting consequences," Kotek said in a news release. "The summer is only getting hotter, drier, and more dangerous – we have to be prepared for worsening conditions." See maps: Which cities are experiencing poor air quality from wildfires? 'Fire activity is high across the country' The National Interagency Fire Center warned on July 20 that "fire activity is high across the country," adding that there are 91 large, uncontained wildfires. "Nearly 18,000 wildland firefighters and support personnel are on the ground nationwide," the center said in an update. "In 2025 thus far, there have been 40,934 total wildfires, for a combined acreage of 2,850,245." Hot, dry, and windy weather continues to fuel wildfire conditions across parts of the Northwest, Great Basin, and Southwest, according to the center. The center added that some areas were forecast to see wind gusts over 40 mph and low humidity levels "dropping into the single digits." The center noted that each year, thousands of wildfires in the United States are caused by people. "Major causes of these fires include loss of control of debris burning, unattended or unextinguished campfires, and sparks or heat transfer from vehicles and equipment like chainsaws or recreational vehicles," the center said. Contributing: Zach Urness and Rose Shimberg, Salem Statesman Journal
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Alder Springs Fire in central Oregon grows to 3,442 acres
The Alder Springs Fire grew to 3,442 acres and 0% containment by the morning of June 18, according to a morning report from Central Oregon Fire Information. Large areas near the fire remain under level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders. Large parts of Cove Palisades State Park remain closed, including the Deschutes Campground, as well as the Upper and Lower Deschutes Day-Use areas. The fire ignited the afternoon of June 16 and grew quickly amid windy conditions, prompting Gov. Tina Kotek to invoke the Emergency Conflagration Act to send crews to fight the blaze and protect nearby homes. Yesterday's favorable weather conditions allowed firefighters to conduct burnout operations and secure fire lines. 'Today, resources will continue to build and improve containment lines,' the Central Oregon Fire Information report said. 'Five OSFM task forces are continuing to conduct structural assessments, mop up 50 feet around structures, and maintain point protection in preparation for stronger winds expected this afternoon and evening.' A community meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on June 18 at the Terrebonne Community School Gym, 1199 B Avenue in Terrebonne. Weather forecasts for the fire area, current and expected fire behavior and fire operations strategies and tactics will be discussed, as well as answering questions about the fire. A temporary evacuation point has been established at Highland Baptist Church, 3100 SW Highland Avenue in Redmond. A large animal shelter has been established at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, 3800 SW Airport Way in Redmond. Deschutes County evacuation map: Jefferson County evacuation map: As of June 17, open flame restrictions were in effect at Cove Palisades State Park. The Rowena fire in the Columbia River Gorge near I-84 has burned 3,700 acres and is 53% contained. Crews will continue to mop up along Highway 30 and along the perimeter of the fire. Crews will also conduct suppression repair, which includes erosion control. 'Things are looking a lot better,' Oregon Department of Forestry office trainee Adam Sinkey said on the Rowena Fire Facebook page. Level 1 and 2 evacuation warnings still remain in effect. Highway 30 between Rowena and The Dalles Country Club remains closed. The Red Cross shelter remains open at The Dalles Middle School at 1100 East 12th St. Livestock and horses can be taken to the Wasco County Fairgrounds at 81849 Fairgrounds Road. I-84 remains open; however, firefighters are continuing to work near the roadway. Drivers are asked to be aware of crews when in the area. Evacuation map: Mariah Johnston is an outdoors journalism intern at the Statesman Journal. Reach her at mjohnston@ This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon wildfires: Alder Springs Fire grows to 3,442 acres near Redmond
