The Cram Fire saw significant growth Monday as shifting winds and rugged terrain challenged firefighting efforts, prompting a shift in priorities as the fire reached the community of Ashwood.
As the fire pushed southeast, all available engines were pulled from the fire line to focus on structure protection. Firefighters worked through the night to defend homes, outbuildings, and community infrastructure. Strategic firing operations were conducted to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fire entering Ashwood. Crews from the Prineville Interagency Hotshots, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Ashwood-Antelope Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) worked alongside Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces to light defensive backfires around the community.
On Monday evening, following the invocation of the Emergency Conflagration Act, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Green Incident Management Team and the High Desert Type 3 Incident Management Team joined in unified command. A complex incident management team has been ordered and is expected to arrive Tuesday evening.
The Cram Fire is currently estimated at 28,635 acres with 0% containment. It is burning on both private land protected by the Ashwood-Antelope Rangeland Fire Protection Association and Bureau of Land Management-managed lands. The fire crossed Trout Creek and ran up Ranger Butte, continuing to move southeast through steep, rugged country with limited road access.
Tuesday, firefighting priorities remain focused on structure protection and scouting for containment opportunities. Eight Oregon State Fire Marshal structural task forces with personnel from Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill counties are actively engaged around homes. Air resources are assigned to support ground crews with hotspot suppression and tactical retardant drops to slow the fire’s spread.
While cooler temperatures are expected today, fuels remain dry and conditions are favorable for fire growth.
Evacuations
Level 3 (GO NOW), Level 2 (BE SET), and Level 1 (BE READY) evacuation orders remain in effect across multiple zones in Jefferson and Wasco counties. Residents are urged to stay alert and follow official guidance:
- Jefferson County: tinyurl.com/JCSOEvacMap
- Wasco County: tinyurl.com/WascoCountyEvacMap