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By Joe Edwards
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The Cram fire in Central Oregon has burned approximately 95,748 acres, making it the largest wildfire in the U.S. this year, according to NBC News and The New York Times.
Crews made progress toward containing the blaze over the weekend as the massive blaze approached the 100,000-acre threshold that would classify it as a megafire.
An update shared with Newsweek by the Oregon State Fire Marshal on Monday said: "Containment on the Cram fire has increased to 73 percent, with the fire holding steady at 95,748 acres. Crews continue to strengthen mop-up efforts around structures and reinforce perimeter control lines to ensure the fire remains within its current footprint."
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Why It Matters
The Cram Fire, which began just over a week ago and expanded amid extremely hot, dry, and windy conditions, has led to the destruction of multiple homes and triggered evacuations in at least two counties, NBC News Reported.
According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, wildfires have impacted around 300 square miles in Orgon and neighboring Washington so far this season. "That's larger than the total area of Portland and Seattle, combined," it said.
What To Know
As of Sunday morning, the Oregon State Fire Marshal reported the Cram fire was 49 percent contained.
A later update from Central Oregon Fire Information—which delivers official updates on wildfires in the region—said that containment had increased to 73 percent.
"Cooler temperatures and calmer, less erratic winds have allowed firefighters to make significant progress across the fire area," said the Oregon State Fire Marshal on Monday.
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A separate official information page for the Cram fire said that at least 932 personnel had been assigned to the incident, along with 88 engines and eight helicopters.
Another blaze, dubbed the Butte Creek fire, was reported late Friday on Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs land, some 30 miles northwest of Madras, officials said.
What Is A Megafire?
The U.S. Interagency Fire Center defines a megafire as a wildfire that burns more than 100,000 acres.
Data from the agency shows that Oregon saw six fires spread to more than 100,000 acres in 2024. These include:
Falls fire: 151,689 acres
Cow Valley fire: 133,490 acres
Lone Rock fire: 137,222 acres
Durkee fire: 294,265 acres
Battle Mountain Complex fire: 183,026 acres
Monkey Creek fire: 115,269 acres
Rail Ridge fire: 176,661 acres
What People Are Saying
Oregon State Fire Marshal said on Monday, in a statement shared with
Central Oregon Fire Info said in an update, Sunday: "Thanks to the outstanding work by firefighters over the past week and a decreasing threat to homes, the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) will begin adjusting its response... Remaining personnel will continue working around structures to extinguish hot spots and ensure any lingering threats to homes are addressed."
What Happens Next
Officials said on Sunday that the cause of the blaze remained under investigation.
Update, 7/21/2025, 11:58 a.m. ET: This article was updated with information provided by the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
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