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.