Oregon’s Cram Fire Becomes Largest Wildfire In The US This Year, But Weather Could Help Fire Crews This Week

Oregon Wildfire Nearing ‘Megafire’ Size

Cooler temperatures this week are expected to help hundreds of firefighters battling what’s now the largest wildfire in the United States so far this year.

The Cram Fire in Central Oregon has burned more than 149 square miles of mostly rugged terrain, about 15 miles north of Madras. Four homes and two other structures have also been destroyed.

Evacuations have stretched across Jefferson, Wasco and Crook counties and many remained in effect on Monday.

The fire started on July 13, and while the cause is under investigation, if it grows to more than 100,000 acres, it would be considered a megafire.

Nearly 950 firefighters and other fire personnel have been fighting the blaze. After dealing with the dry weather and high temperatures in the 90s, cooler weather arrived over the weekend.

On Sunday, those fire crews got a morale boost during a visit from two therapy dogs. Scout and Piper visited the base camp with their owner Mike Mora.

Fire officials said amid the long shifts, extreme heat and smoky skies, the pups brought "calm, comfort, and few much-needed smiles."

Weather.com meteorologist Tiffany Savona says the weather conditions will be favorable for crews on Monday: “It will be cooler with highs only in the 70s and an increase in humidity as isolated showers and storms will be possible."

Savona adds that conditions will remain favorable through the middle of the week. Unfortunately, fire concerns return by Thursday and Friday as the hot, dry and breezy weather returns to the region.