Oregon Governor declares a state of emergency against a wildfire
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency over the ever-expanding ram rock fire, burning more than 77,000 acres across the state.
Filling in central Oregon became the country’s largest wildfire this year on July 20th, as flames approached 100,000 acres, destroying four homes and threatening hundreds of structures.
The July 13 fire exploded in recent days after hot, dry and windy conditions increased the risk of wildfires in parts of the state. The fire crew were challenged in the week by changing wind direction and steep, steep terrain, but cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels are expected to help firefighting efforts over the weekend.
By 9am local time on July 20, the fire had expanded to 95,748 acres, with 49% contained, according to Oregon Central fire information. The size of the fire has been “slightly reduced” since July 19, after “more accurate mapping” was completed, officials said on the fire information page.
According to a July 20 update on the fire information page, “it is based on progress made yesterday and overnight.” “Cool temperatures and humidity create better conditions for mop-up operations, especially along the fires and structures.”
The fire caught near Willowdale, a densely populated area about 133 miles southeast of Portland, swept the area’s grasslands and pastures, firefighters said. The cause of the flame remains under investigation.
A total of four homes and two other structures were destroyed amid the fire, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Local governments in Jefferson, Wasco and Crook counties have issued evacuation orders or warnings in multiple zones. By the afternoon of July 20th, authorities had lowered evacuation levels in parts of Jefferson, Wasco and Crook counties.
Cram Fire is one of at least 46 active wildfires in Oregon, most of which are included, according to the state’s fire and hotspot dashboard. The fire also led a list of wildfire cases in 2025, and later the Madre Fire broke out in Central California, burning nearly 81,000 acres.
Clamfires approach Megafire status as authorities warn of worsening wildfire situations
Clamfire is growing more and more towards Oregon’s first Megafire season. Megafire is defined by the National Interagency Fire Center as a wildfire that burns more than 100,000 acres of land.
Firefighters said more than 900 staff members were responding to the flames, in addition to 88 fire trucks, 18 Teshirosha and eight helicopters. The Central Oregon Fire Information said it continued its focus on reducing the potentially fueling grids and spot fires near the fires’ surroundings, while fire behavior was eased on July 20th.
“Yesterday was another favourable day with us with the weather,” said Scott Statzman, former Oregon Fire Department chief of operations section.
On July 16th, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency that lasted until the end of the year “due to the imminent threat of wildfires.”
According to the Salem Statesman Journal, part of the USA Today Network, several major wildfires have already exploded in 2025. The risk of wildfires in Oregon is projected to remain above normal until summer, the Salem Statesman Journal reported.
“Oregon is already experiencing a catastrophic wildfire season with lasting consequences,” Kotek said in a news release. “Summers are hotter, dryer and more dangerous. We have to prepare for worsening circumstances.”
“Fire activity is high all over the country.”
The National Interagency Fire Station warned on July 20 that “fire extinguishing operations are high across the country,” adding that there are 91 large, unconnected wildfires.
“We have 18,000 wild firefighters and support personnel on the ground across the country,” the center said in the update. “So far, in 2025 there have been a total of 40,934 wildfires with a total of 2,850,245 planted areas.”
Hot, dry, windy weather continues to promote wildfire conditions across the northwest, the Great Basin and parts of the southwest, according to the Centre. The center added that gusts of wind and low humidity levels in some areas exceed 40 mph are predicted to “decrease to a single number.”
The Center noted that thousands of wildfires in the United States are caused by people each year.
“The main causes of these fires include burning debris, loss of control of unmanned or unidentified campfires, and sparks or heat transfer from vehicles and equipment, such as chainsaws and recreational vehicles,” the center said.
Contributions: Zach Urness and Rose Shimberg, Salem Statesman Journal
