Context:

Gusty and shifting winds, combined with high temperatures, have caused the Cram wildfire in Central Oregon to expand to nearly 30,000 acres, prompting evacuations in Jefferson and Wasco counties. The fire, which began on Sunday near U.S. Route 97, rapidly grew from 4,500 acres on Monday to 28,600 acres by early Tuesday, despite containment efforts. Firefighters, assisted by air support, struggled as the flames breached bulldozer lines due to unpredictable wind changes, threatening the small community of Ashwood. Temporary shelters were established for evacuees, and the shifting winds necessitated sudden changes in evacuation routes. This incident marks the sixth time this summer that the state's firefighting resources have been overwhelmed, leading to the activation of Oregon's Emergency Conflagration Act to request additional support from teams statewide.

Dive Deeper:

• The Cram wildfire in Central Oregon, fueled by gusty winds and high temperatures, has forced evacuations in Jefferson and Wasco counties as it grew to nearly 30,000 acres.

• Initially reported on Sunday near U.S. Route 97, the fire rapidly expanded from 4,500 acres on Monday to 28,600 acres by Tuesday morning, despite efforts from local firefighters and air support.

• Strong winds, reaching 25 miles per hour, and challenging terrain of hills and valleys made containment efforts difficult, with flames jumping over bulldozer lines designed to halt the fire's spread.

• The small community of Ashwood, consisting of about 30 homes, faced direct threat as the wind shifted directions, prompting controlled burns to prevent further spread.

• Evacuees from ranch lands and sparsely populated areas found temporary shelter at a middle school, while ranch animals were relocated to fairgrounds or volunteer lands.

• The Cram fire represents the sixth major wildfire in Oregon this summer that exceeded local firefighting capabilities, necessitating the activation of the Emergency Conflagration Act for additional state support.

• Governor Tina Kotek had previously invoked the act to manage the Highland fire in Central Oregon, highlighting the ongoing challenges the region faces with wildfire management this season.