U.S. 97 reopened near Cram Fire
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
UPDATE 7/15 3:18 P.M.: U.S. 97 has been reopened.
WASCO COUNTY:
LEVEL 3 GO NOW! Evacuation:
– **NEW** East side of Hwy 97 at County Border to HWY 197/97 intersection to Hwy 97 Milepost 64 down to West of Hwy 293 / Lower Tub Spring Rd intersection
– East side of Hwy 97 at County Border to HWY 197/97 intersection to Hwy 97 Milepost 64 down to West of Hwy 293 / Lower Tub Spring Rd intersection
– West side of Hwy 97 to the Deschutes River, South of South Junction Rd to Jefferson County Border
– East of Hwy 97 and South of Hwy 293 and west of Lower Tub Spring Rd to the Wasco/Jefferson County Border
– East of Lower Tub Spring Rd, South of Hwy 293, West of Upper Spring Rd to the Jefferson County Border
LEVEL 2 Be Ready to Evacuate for:
– East of Upper Tub Spring Rd, South of Hwy 293 and Hwy 218, including City of Antelope, West of Cold Camp Rd to the Wasco/Jefferson County Border
LEVEL 1 BE READY to Evacuate for:
– Hwy 97 Milepost 64 to Shaniko, West of Hwy 218 to Antelope, North of Hwy 293 / Lower Tub Spring Rd intersection to Antelope.
– North Of South Junction Road, East of the Deschutes River, West of Hwy 197/97 Intersection to Hwy 197 Milepost 65
– West of Cold Camp Rd, South of Hwy 218 to John Day River to Wasco/Jefferson County Border
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
The whole north east side of Jefferson County is now in a level three evacuation or level two evacuation. (This is the top “panhandle” area)
The west side of Hay Creek is now at a level two, making all of NE 14 a Level Two.
Both zones below that are also at a level two.
Road Closures:
HWY 97 is OPEN
Pony Butte Rd is CLOSED
Hay Creek Rd is CLOSED
Trout Creek Rd is CLOSED
Gosner Rd is OPEN
MADRAS – Variable winds in the area have created new Level Three, Go Now evacuation orders to the west of the Cram Fire burning in the area of the Jefferson/Wasco County line north of Madras.
Previously all level three orders were either in the direct vicinity, or to the east of the fire. U.S. Highway 97 has been closed in that area from mile markers 70 to 76, authorities are asking motorists to use U.S. Highway 26 as a reroute, and to drive with caution as crews and equipment may be working close to the road and visibility due to smoke is low in some areas.
The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Jefferson County Middle School in Madras, and large animals can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
As of last update the fire had burned 28,635 acres, and was zero percent contained.
Headline photo and evacuation map courtesy of Cram Fire 2025 Facebook page.
