A debris fire alongside U.S. Highway 20 south of Tumalo was extinguished by Bend firefighters Saturday afternoon, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

At around 4:15 p.m., firefighters and deputies were sent to the fire, which was reported to be spreading into surrounding brush and trees. Smoke and fire fighting efforts blocked the highway for a short time, and a crew from the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control.

The fire was contained to approximately half an acre.

Investigators determined the owner of the property had been burning weeds along his fence line when the wind picked up, spreading the flames to nearby brush. The owner was issued a warning by Bend Fire.

Beginning Monday, outdoor burning will be banned in Deschutes County until fire officials lift the seasonal burn ban in the fall.