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July 18, 2025 - Cram Wildfire Becomes Largest Active Fire in Oregon
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On July 13, 2025, a fire was discovered burning near milepost 76 off of Highway 97 north of Madras, Oregon. Rapid growth in dry vegetation and the fire’s proximity to structures prompted Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation notices for several nearby communities. By the end of day, the fire had grown to more than 1,400 acres. Soon it would become the largest active fire in Oregon, and by July 17, local news reported that the Cram Fire had become the largest active fire in the United States.
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this true-color image of the Cram Fire burning in central Oregon on July 15. Strong winds were blowing smoke to the southwest, towards the city of Madras as well as fanning the inferno.
The rapid growth of the fire to more than 40,000 acres on the morning of July 15 prompted Governor Tina Kotek to invoke the Conflagration Act. A press release stated that “a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.” The Conflagration Act opens the door for rapid assistance from additional fire companies throughout the state. The next day, on July 16, Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency, citing the threat of Oregon’s devastating wildfire season.
On July 17, the Cram wildfire had grown to 77,163 acres, according to InciWeb Incident Information System. Fire growth continued to be spurred by high temperatures, low humidity, and moderate wind. With 573 personnel committed to fighting the fire, the perimeter is listed as zero percent contained. A Red Flag warning is in effect, with both winds and temperatures expected to increase in the near term. The cause of the Cram Fire is under investigation.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 7/15/2025
Resolutions:
1km (108.4 KB), 500m (290.1 KB), 250m (683.2 KB)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
On July 13, 2025, a fire was discovered burning near milepost 76 off of Highway 97 north of Madras, Oregon. Rapid growth in dry vegetation and the fire’s proximity to structures prompted Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation notices for several nearby communities. By the end of day, the fire had grown to more than 1,400 acres. Soon it would become the largest active fire in Oregon, and by July 17, local news reported that the Cram Fire had become the largest active fire in the United States.
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this true-color image of the Cram Fire burning in central Oregon on July 15. Strong winds were blowing smoke to the southwest, towards the city of Madras as well as fanning the inferno.
The rapid growth of the fire to more than 40,000 acres on the morning of July 15 prompted Governor Tina Kotek to invoke the Conflagration Act. A press release stated that “a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.” The Conflagration Act opens the door for rapid assistance from additional fire companies throughout the state. The next day, on July 16, Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency, citing the threat of Oregon’s devastating wildfire season.
On July 17, the Cram wildfire had grown to 77,163 acres, according to InciWeb Incident Information System. Fire growth continued to be spurred by high temperatures, low humidity, and moderate wind. With 573 personnel committed to fighting the fire, the perimeter is listed as zero percent contained. A Red Flag warning is in effect, with both winds and temperatures expected to increase in the near term. The cause of the Cram Fire is under investigation.
Image Facts
Satellite:
Terra
Date Acquired: 7/15/2025
Resolutions:
1km (108.4 KB), 500m (290.1 KB), 250m (683.2 KB)
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit:
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
