Oregon Public Broadcasting

Colder, wetter weather across the state has helped subdue some fires.

But firefighters continued to battle four major fires in the state - all started by lightning strikes in the past few weeks.

The Wildcat Fire was reported Monday west of Lakeview has burned approximately 100 acres. Firefighters have very limited containment so far.

Several fires are burning as part of the Summit Springs Complex near Sisters. A well-trained state firefighting crew assumed management of the fire on Monday.

But prison inmates are also helping private and state crews fight the blaze.

The Oregon Department of Forestry says it has used the prison crews extensively for almost fifty years.

Rod Nichols is with the state Department of Forestry. He says inmates are cheaper to pay and are good firefighters.

Rod Nichols: “They are very happy to be there, it's very tough work but they obviously want to be outside instead of in prison so it gives them a chance to do some meaningful work and give back to the community.”

A crew of over 50 inmate firefighters just helped contain the Eagle Creek Fire in Pendleton.

Inmates are not paid directly for their work, but the Department of Corrections says they earn points that can equal about $3-per-hour.

State officials say even more importantly, they earn life skills that may give them a chance at a paying job after their release.