After nearly a week of around-the-clock efforts, firefighters have reached 49% containment on the Cram Fire, which has burned 95,748 acres. Containment means fire managers are confident completed control lines will hold.
Crews on Saturday continued gridding the fire perimeter, working inward to locate and extinguish remaining hot spots. In the rugged terrain near Grater Butte and Calf Gulch, hand crews successfully linked sections of dozer and hand lines. Firefighters also made gains along the fire’s southeastern spur, where calmer weather allowed for further line improvement. Fire activity has since decreased, with minimal smoke now visible well within the interior.
Night operations remain critical, helping crews detect and eliminate hotspots that could compromise containment lines. Today’s focus remains on the southern edge, where saw teams are thinning juniper trees to reduce fuels that could spark new fires. Ground crews, supported by engines, will continue systematically gridding for heat sources near control lines.
With decreased threat to structures, the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is beginning to adjust its response. Some structural protection crews and engines are being demobilized and will return to their home agencies. Remaining Oregon State Fire Marshal personnel will continue to mop up around structures and address any lingering fire threats.
A separate fire, the Butte Creek Fire, was reported late Friday, July 18, on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs land, about 30 miles northwest of Madras. Updates are available via the CTWS Fire Management Facebook page or by emailing javin.dimmick@ctwsbnr.org.
Weather: Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected to persist through early next week, helping to further moderate fire behavior. A slight chance of thunderstorms and showers is forecast for Monday.
Evacuations: Evacuations remain in place. Jefferson, Wasco and Crook County Sheriffs have issued Level 3 (GO NOW), Level 2 (BE SET), and Level 1 (BE READY) evacuation notices across multiple zones. For the most up-to-date maps please check with the local county sheriff’s office.
Recreation/Closures: No closures to BLM-managed land are currently in effect, but conditions may change rapidly. Visitors should check current fire conditions before recreating.
Smoke Outlook: View air quality and smoke forecasts for your area at fire.airnow.gov.
Public Safety: Fire officials urge the public to help prevent new wildfires. Use caution with any ignition sources. For prevention tips, visit https://preventwildfires.oregon.gov.