Overview

Cram Fire Ravages Eastern Oregon, Burns Over 95,000 Acres, Evacuates Thousands

The Cram Fire ignited on July 13th, 2025, near Willowdale, Oregon, a rural community in central Jefferson County. It has grown to become the largest wildfire in the United States so far in 2025, scorching more than 95,000 acres. Under extreme “Red Flag” conditions of high winds, scorching temperatures in the 90s, and critically low humidity, the fire exploded in size, forcing widespread Level 3 evacuations across multiple counties, including Jefferson, Wasco, and Crook.

The blaze has destroyed 2 homes, 14 other structures, including barns, workshops, pump houses, and sheds, and threatened hundreds of additional buildings throughout rural communities heavily tied to sheep ranching and agriculture. As many as 950 firefighters and personnel battled the fire, using engines, hand crews, and aerial support to combat the difficult terrain and volatile conditions.

Central Electric Cooperative Transformer Suspected as Cause

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, initial reports from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office indicate a transformer owned by Central Electric Cooperative may have ignited the fire. The electric company is a member-owned utility based in Redmond, Oregon, serving rural communities across central Oregon, including high wildfire-risk areas with significant agricultural and forested lands.

The Cram Fire may reflect a broader pattern across the western United States, where aging electrical infrastructure and inadequate vegetation management have repeatedly sparked major wildfires. When equipment failures or power lines contact dry vegetation—especially amid drought and high winds—they can cause catastrophic blazes that threaten lives, property, and natural resources. Utilities like Central Electric are under increasing scrutiny to maintain equipment, decommission old and unused powerlines, turn off powerlines during high wind alerts, and clear vegetation to prevent such disasters.

Find a Cram Fire Lawyer Near Me

With the largest fire litigation practice in the country, Singleton Schreiber has represented over 30,000 wildfire victims and recovered more than $3 billion for clients nationwide. Our attorneys are committed to holding negligent corporations accountable and helping victims recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

If you’ve been affected by the Cram Fire—whether through evacuation, property damage, loss of livestock, smoke exposure, injury, or emotional distress—you may be entitled to compensation. Even if you have insurance or are struggling to navigate disaster relief programs like FEMA, our team can help you understand your options and assist with filing claims to ensure you receive all the aid and benefits available.

If You or a Loved One Has Experienced Any of the Following, You May Be Eligible for Cram Fire Compensation:

Expensive Evacuation
Wrongful Death from Fire or Smoke
Hospitalization
Serious Burns
Other Serious Personal Injury
Long-Term Health Effects
Psychological Impact
Home Loss
Structure Loss
Damage to Animals/Pets
Damage to Timber/Trees
Erosion
Vegetation Loss
Damage to Landscaping
Significant Property Damage
Economic Loss
Livestock & Agriculture Loss
Damage to Infrastructure
Business Loss
Business Interruption
Smoke Damage
Damage from Soot & Ash
Underinsured Property
FEMA Assistance
Utility & Other Service Interruptions
Housing Market Impact

Cram Fire Resources

Cram Fire Map & Updates

Oregon Smoke Information

After the Fire Oregon Support

Oregon Wildfire Assistance

FEMA Disaster Assistance

ACCESS Center for Community Resilience

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Cram Fire start?

Near Willowdale, Oregon, a rural community in central Jefferson County, adjacent to Central Electric Cooperative utility equipment. The fire began close to milepost 76 off Highway 97 north of Madras, in dry grasslands and brush.

What caused the Cram Fire?

While the official investigation is ongoing, early information from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office suggests that a transformer owned by Central Electric Cooperative could be responsible for igniting the fire. Singleton Schreiber is closely monitoring the investigation, and will share more details as they emerge.

What legal options exist for Cram Fire victims?

If Central Electric Cooperative or another party is found responsible, victims may pursue compensation for evacuation costs, livestock loss, property loss, business interruption, and more. Singleton Schreiber specializes in wildfire litigation and corporate negligence and can guide victims through the claims process.

What Is a Megafire and Why Is It Concerning?

A megafire is commonly defined as a wildfire that consumes at least 100,000 acres—roughly 156 square miles or about half the size of New York City. The Cram Fire is currently over 95,000 acres and poised to cross the megafire threshold, which would mark it as one of the largest and most severe blazes in Oregon’s history.

In recent years, the number of megafires has increased sharply across the western United States. Climate change has intensified droughts, raised temperatures, and fueled extreme fire weather conditions. These megafires cause extensive ecological damage, threaten communities at unprecedented scales, exhaust firefighting resources, and often result in significant loss of life and property.

The rising frequency of mega fires highlights not only the growing vulnerability of landscapes and communities but also the critical responsibility of utility companies to upgrade and maintain electrical infrastructure. Aging or poorly maintained powerlines and equipment are a leading cause of many recent mega fires. Holding these companies accountable and demanding stricter safety standards is essential to reducing the risk of future catastrophic fires.