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.

Update 7/19/2025 at 2:00pm

Our AIC fire crews remain actively engaged on the property, continuing to address key areas identified in coordination with our state fire partners. Their efforts have been steady and effective in supporting containment objectives.

As of today, the Red Flag Warning has been lifted. While this is encouraging, we continue to monitor fire behavior and weather conditions closely. We remain in regular communication with local and state fire agencies to ensure continued readiness.

Please note: Visiting will remain canceled through the weekend.

(Attached photo of AIC fire crew taken 7/18/2025)

Update 7/18/2025 at 12:15pm

Additional ODOC fire crews have been deployed and are actively working on reinforcing area fire lines and reducing fuel in support of our regional fire partners. We remain under a Red Flag Warning, and while there is currently no direct threat to the facility, we are taking all necessary precautions. All normal operations will continue at this time, apart from visiting, which has been cancelled Friday through Sunday to allow for proactive planning and reduce risk in the event of shifting wind conditions.

For updates on the fire itself, please visit https://linktr.ee/cramfire2025.

Fire Safety Update for Friends and Family of Adults in Custody

As a proactive measure, and due to the ongoing Red Flag Warning and potential for wind shifts, DRCI has made the decision to cancel visiting throughout the weekend. Safety is our top priority, so we wanted to get this information out early. We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

There is still a "Red Flag" warning in place until 10pm tonight due to the hot, dry, and windy weather.

DOC has moved additional DOC fire crews overnight to manage vegetation in an expanding perimeter of defensible space outside the institution. There is no immediate threat at this time, we are just dealing with this situation in a cautious and proactive manner.

Between 12-1pm today, we will give a more detailed update after meeting with the State Fire Marshall and Jefferson County Incident Command.

Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI)

Fire Safety Update for Friends and Family of Adults in Custody

Date: July 17, 2025 at 12:30 pm

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.

IMPORTANT: There is no imminent need to evacuate DRCI at this time.

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 are actively removing dry grass and juniper trees both on DOC property and on surrounding properties (with landowner permission)
• Active Fire Crews: Two 10-man AIC fire crews are in place, actively clearing brush and expanding defensible space.

Current Weather Conditions

Madras is under a red flag warning until Friday at 10 PM 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.

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 have been installed in each housing unit, 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 is operating on 12-hour shifts and 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
• Fire Updates: Cram Fire Official Facebook Page

Update 7/17/2025 at 9:15am

Visiting is remaining open as scheduled (Friday through Sunday), assuming conditions do not worsen. To sign up to receive real-time alerts via email or text, you can register here.

The Cram Fire's Incident Command has established an official Facebook update page: https://www.facebook.com/CramFire2025

7/16/2025 at 10:00am

We are aware of the Cram Fire burning in Central Oregon and recognize that it is moving closer to Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI). The safety and well-being of our staff, adults in custody, and the surrounding community remain our highest priority.

We are actively monitoring the situation and are in close coordination with state fire officials. As part of their preparation, DRCI has followed best practices to reduce fire risk and maintain safety. These include:

• Soaking the surroundings.
• Cutting back vegetation.
• Storing backup water.
• Having two fire crews on site.
• Reviewing evacuation procedures with staff, local law enforcement, and fire officials.
• Testing all air scrubbers and ensuring they are sufficiently stocked.

We will continue to take all necessary precautions and will provide updates as the situation evolves.

Update July 15, 2025: The Cram Fire has been reported approximately 15 miles Northeast of DRCM and the community of Madras. DOC will be watching this closely and be in frequent communication with the Incident Command. if you have in-person visits scheduled, we recommend you sign up for real-time visiting alerts to be notified if visiting hours have been modified or canceled. If traveling via Highway 97, you should check the Oregon Department of Transportation map for potential road closures due to fire activity.

Update July 15, 2025: The Elk Fire has been reported approximately 80 miles west of WCCF and the community of Lakeview. Although it poses little threat to the community, the fire is burning in a corridor were internet and phone service providers have critical infrastructure which may be damaged and result in the loss of AIC communication services. There is no immediate threat to AICs related to the fire or to smoke.