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