An agricultural fire that escaped into a neighboring property burned two and one-half acres and a utility pole in southeast Bend this afternoon, officials reported.

Bend Fire crews were dispatched to a reported brush fire at 22324 McArdle Road just before 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Fire Inspector Cindy Kettering said.

Upon arrival, firefighters found an escaped agricultural burn moving north onto a neighboring property, burning brush in fields adjacent to a residence and setting afire a Central Electric Company utility pole.

Ten firefighters and a water tender were able to keep the blaze from damaging any nearby structures, and contained the fire to about 2.5 acres, said Kettering.  There were no injuries reported.

The out-of-control blaze prompted Kettering to remind the community that taking simple precautions when burning can prevent escaped fires.  She offered the following safety tips:

-          Create a fire break by clearing a 10 foot perimeter outside the fire.

-          Have adequate fire suppression equipment, such as a hose and shovel, next to the fire at all times.

-          A responsible person must be at the fire at all times.  Never leave a fire unattended.

-          Obtain a copy of the outdoor burning regulations for your area.

-          Call the burning information number for your area before you burn.  For the Bend area, the number is 322-6335.

“In addition,” Kettering said, “please remember that burning is still prohibited within the city limits of Bend.”