Gov. Kotek invokes Conflagration Act for fast-growing wildfire moving through steep, challenging terrain

By Kathryn Styer Martínez
Oregon Public Broadcasting
July 15, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States, US West

The Cram Fire, which is burning east of Madras, continues to challenge fire crews. The rapidly growing fire moved southeast overnight Monday toward the community of Ashwood, causing crews to mobilize around the mining ghost town. It has now grown to more than 28,000 acres. …The fire is running into steep and remote territory, with “challenging access,” according to a Central Oregon Fire press release this morning. …Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Conflagration Act for the Cram Fire on Monday afternoon. …There are over 230 people working on the Cram Fire and more are expected to join, according to OSFM. …Cooler weather on Tuesday will help firefighters but temperatures in Bend and Madras are expected to return to the mid-90s later this week.

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