PHOTOS: Authorities announced significant changes to evacuation zones as efforts to contain the Cram Fire continue. Many areas have seen their evacuation levels downgraded or completely lifted, allowing residents to return home. However, officials urge caution as fire personnel and equipment remain active in the region. The bottom eastern corner of the evacuation levels, specifically the area south of Ashwood, remains unchanged. This includes Northeast 15, Southeast 17, and Southeast 18. Roads in these areas are open only to residents.
As of July 23, the Cram Fire is 77% contained, burning at 95,736 acres, with no recent growth reported. Central Oregon Fire reported that fire crews patrolling the area yesterday only observed one visible smoke plume located far within the fire’s interior, and said “current fire activity is minimal, limited to creeping and smoldering in dead vegetation underneath trees, or heavier fuels well within the interior of the fire.” Firefighters are continuing to patrol the fire area and structures within the fire zone, checking for and extinguishing any remaining heat sources to prevent reignition.
Crews are also working on suppression repair efforts, focusing on restoring soil stability and vegetative cover in areas affected by firefighting activities. As containment and suppression repair objectives are met, firefighting resources and excess equipment will reportedly be released to address other needs.
