UPDATE: Aug. 7, 4 p.m.

The City of Vernon says recent fires in Becker Park are believed to have been human-caused, but they are not considered suspicious.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) responded to a grass fire in the park shortly before 11 a.m. Aug. 7, following multiple reports of smoke. Upon arrival, crews confirmed a 100-by-100-foot grass fire. 

Firefighters worked quickly to contain the fire before it could spread to any structures near the park, the city said in a press release. 

The incident came after a fire was sparked in the park Tuesday, Aug. 6. The city said therecent grass fires in and around Becker Park are believed to be human-caused, but no criminality is suspected. 

鈥淗uman caused fires can be avoided and given the current conditions, doing all we can to reduce the risk of wildfire should be a high priority for everyone,鈥� said Deputy Chief Alan Hofsink. 鈥淲e are urging all residents and visitors to adhere to the fire ban, and practice fire safety and please be responsible when discarding cigarette butts.鈥�

A  was issued for Vernon on July 10. The ban will remain in place until October 11, or until the public is otherwise notified.

VFRS and Vernon bylaw officers will continue to monitor and respond to open burning complaints and irresponsible fire behaviour in the community. 

To report a fire inside City limits, call 911. To report a wildfire, please call 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free), *5555 on a cellphone or submit a report directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

ORIGINAL: 

For the second day in a row, firefighters have been called to put out a grass fire in Becker Park.

The dry hill between Alexis Park Drive and the Vernon Recreation Centre is home to several fires each year.

Neighbouring residents are quick to call in any signs of smoke and Vernon Fire Rescue crews have always managed to get a hold of the small fires before spreading to any of the nearby homes or structures like the Curling Club.