Cram Fire reaches 73% containment, current largest wildfire in U.S.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The Cram Fire, burning northeast of Madras, grew more contained throughout Sunday, slowing the blaze short of megafire status.

The fire, which began on July 13, quickly grew to over 90,000 acres uncontained before firefighters made substantial progress containing it.

As of Monday morning, the Cram Fire is listed as 73% contained, covering 95,748 acres, which is 23% more contained than it was on Sunday and the same acreage.

According to InciWeb, the Cram Fire is the largest wildfire of the year so far in the United States.

So far, the fire has destroyed 4 homes and 578 are still threatened, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.

Evacuations remain in effect. Jefferson, Wasco and Crook County Sheriffs have issued Level 3 (Go Now), Level 2 (Be Set), and Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuations across multiple zones.

• Jefferson County evacuations
• Wasco County evacuations
• Crook County evacuations

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the fire was sparked by a transformer in the area; however, the cause is still under investigation.