JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV) - A wildfire burning in Jefferson County has grown to about 20,000 acres, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

On Monday afternoon, several of the evacuation zones were upgraded to Level 3: “Go Now”.

The Cram Fire was discovered at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday northeast of Madras, near Highway 97, milepost 76.

People living nearby have been placed on Level 1: “Be Ready”, Level 2: “Be Set”, and Level 3: “Go Now” alerts for evacuation.

The fire is burning on private land near milepost 76 on Highway 97 at Willowdale and northeast Pony Butte Road.

Crews worked overnight to construct fire lines through the night. Officials say the plan for Monday was to use the constructed lines to contain the fire, keeping it east of Highway 97 and south of Highway 293.

A brush fire started northeast of Madras in Jefferson County on July 13, 2025, prompting warnings for people nearby to be ready to evacuate the area.

The sheriff’s office also asked people to be careful when driving on Highway 97, as smoke is reducing visibility and emergency vehicles will be traveling along the road.

Monday afternoon, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized task forces from Lane, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill counties to assist in efforts to combat the blaze.

“The next 24 hours will be extremely challenging for this fire with continued gusty, shifting winds and hot temperatures,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said Monday. “This is the sixth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked this summer and comes as a reminder that we need everyone’s help to stay wildfire aware and prevent new fire starts.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.