August 4, 2026

DOC is aware of the Tartar Fire burning in Washington County, Idaho. The fire remains approximately 15 miles north of Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI). At this time, there is no threat to the facility.

Current weather patterns show winds blowing to the northeast, which is moving smoke away from SRCI. Unfortunately, that same wind is also bringing up smoke from the south.

SRCI continues to track fire behavior and smoke conditions throughout the day.

For real‑time fire mapping and official incident information, check out Watch Duty:
https://app.watchduty.org/i/110799

DOC is closely monitoring wildfire activity and smoke conditions affecting the Malheur County region. We understand how concerning smoke can be, and we want to reassure families and loved ones that there are currently no active wildfires anywhere near Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI). All smoke impacting the area is drifting in from distant fires elsewhere in eastern Oregon and southern Idaho.

There will be some modifications to yard time, primarily associated with the heat, but also prompted by the air quality.

Visiting

At this time, visiting is continuing under normal operations. If conditions require any change, DOC will notify the public promptly. There will be filtration units operating in the visiting room.

Masks & Medical Support

N95 masks are available upon request for adults in custody. Individuals with respiratory conditions or other smoke‑related health concerns may contact Health Services for additional support.

The Department of Corrections is actively monitoring smoke impacts from the Powder River Fire, the Anthony Fire, and the Olive Butte Fire, located approximately 20 miles east of Powder River Correctional Facility (PRCF). Smoke from the fires has reduced air quality in the Baker City area, and staff are implementing established air‑quality protocols to help protect adults in custody.

Masks have been distributed to all housing units and may be worn voluntarily at this time. If the Air Quality Index (AQI) rises above 277, mask‑wearing will become mandatory outdoors. Facility staff check AQI multiple times throughout the day and adjust safety measures as needed.

Institutional requirements also apply when outdoor air quality declines. Outdoor activities are suspended when AQI exceeds 150. Additionally, the facility’s HVAC system is currently set to draw only five percent outside air to help reduce smoke entering indoor areas.

The Department of Corrections is actively monitoring smoke impacts from the Hagen Fire, located approximately 30 miles east of Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI). Smoke from the fire has reduced air quality in the Pendleton area, and staff are implementing established air‑quality protocols to help protect adults in custody.

Masks have been distributed to all housing units and may be worn voluntarily at this time. If the Air Quality Index (AQI) rises above 277, mask‑wearing will become mandatory. Facility staff check AQI multiple times throughout the day and adjust safety measures as needed.

Institutional requirements also apply when outdoor air quality declines. Outdoor activities are suspended when AQI exceeds 150. Additionally, the facility’s HVAC system is currently set to draw only five percent outside air to help reduce smoke entering indoor areas.

To support proper mask use, Channel 17 is broadcasting a short instructional video during every commercial break demonstrating correct donning and doffing procedures.

The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) wants to assure the friends and family of Adults in Custody (AICs) at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution that the safety of AICs, staff, and the community is our highest priority.

State Fire Marshal and local emergency incident coordinators have toured DRCI's perimeter and are pleased with the preparations and safety measures in place.

Current Fire Preparedness Measures

Facility Overview

Deer Ridge Correctional Facility (DRCI) houses approximately 1,025 AICs near Madras, Oregon, and is one of our most self-sufficient and self-sustaining facilities.

Fire Prevention Efforts

• Comprehensive Fire Breaks: We have established fire breaks that are 25+ feet wide—exceeding industry standards
• Vegetation Management: Our crews have removed dry grass and juniper trees both on DOC property and on surrounding properties (with landowner permission)

Current Weather Conditions

Madras is under a red flag warning until Wednesday at 11am, July 22nd, due to wind gusts. However, the meteorologist has informed us that winds are not likely to blow towards DRCI. We are closely monitoring conditions and have enhanced our preparedness accordingly.

Fire Monitoring and Response

Should the fire approach DRCI, fire watches will be enhanced to monitor for sparks, allowing us to immediately contain any small fires that are created. DRCI has staff monitoring this situation 24 hours a day in coordination with all local and state emergency incident resources.

DRCI has two AIC fire crews deployed to the Brewer wildfire at this time.

Enhanced Safety Measures

Additional Fire Support

Additional AIC fire crews have been requested to support fire lines. For safety reasons, locations and times of deployment are not disclosed.

Health and Safety Protections

• Air Quality Management: Air scrubbers are staged and ready, including program areas and areas where AICs congregate
• Medical Support: Health Services is evaluating AICs for potential respiratory vulnerability and will determine if transportation to other facilities is appropriate
• Health Authority Partnership: The Oregon Health Authority is actively partnering with DRCI on smoke exposure and public health guidance.

Emergency Preparedness

• Backup Systems: HVAC and water systems are fully supported by emergency generators.
• Evacuation Planning: While comprehensive emergency plans exist should an evacuation become necessary, DRCI is not currently anticipating needing to evacuate.

Our Commitment

We are taking every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of all AICs, staff, and the surrounding community. Our trained emergency team stands ready to adapt response measures as conditions change.

Visiting hours are planned to continue as scheduled. For real-time visiting alerts, please subscribe. If you plan on traveling, we advise you to also check the Department of Transportation’s website for closures or delays.

For questions or concerns, please contact the facility through normal channels.

Additional Resources

• Air Quality Information:Oregon DOC Air Quality Index(External link)
• Fire Updates: https://www.facebook.com/brewerfire

7/1/2026: DOC is aware of a wildfire burning approximately six miles northeast of SRCI. At this time, there is no indication that it will move towards the facility and air quality at the facility is unaffected. More information regarding the fire itself can be found on the local Argus Observer website. SRCI remains in conctact with local fire authoritities and the BLM. The fire continues to burn north (away from SRCI) and is on the opposite side of the freeway.

6/17/2026: DOC is aware of a wildfire burning approximately 10 miles east of Pendleton. At this time, there is no indication that it will move towards the facility and air quality is still good.

6/8/2026: DOC is aware of a rangeland fire burning approximately 20 miles northwest of the facility, near Huntington Oregon. Fire crews continue to increase containment. There is no indication that it will travel towards SRCI and air quality remains high. https://dailydispatch.com/fire-news/oregon/evacuation-levels-lowered-as-crews-continue-containment-operations-on-frontage-fire-in-baker-county/

Update 7/21/2025 at 10:30am

We are pleased to inform you that the Cram Fire response is winding down, and the fire incident response teams are beginning the demobilization process. The immediate threat has been significantly reduced, and we are transitioning back to normal operations.

Visiting Schedule Resumes

Visiting will resume this week on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Our Gratitude

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your patience and understanding. We recognize that the temporary suspension of visiting was difficult for many families, and we deeply appreciate your support and cooperation as we prioritized everyone's safety during the fire response.

Your understanding allowed our staff to focus fully on maintaining the safety and security of your loved ones while supporting the broader community response to the Cram Fire.

Moving Forward

As we return to regular operations, we remain committed to keeping you informed of any changes that may affect visiting or other family services. We thank you for standing with us during this emergency response and for your continued support.

If you haven't signed up for visiting alerts, we would encourage you to do so: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDOC/signup/46876

Update 7/20/2025 at 1:30pm

Crews remain active along the fire perimeter today, continuing to clear brush and thin juniper trees as part of the ongoing mitigation efforts. Their focus is on reducing fire risk along the south and west side and reinforcing established containment lines.

As of this morning, the fire is 49% contained.

In coordination with fire personnel, we have started developing a demobilization plan to ensure a smooth and safe transition as the situation improves.

Visiting is still cancelled for today, Sunday the 20th.