Smokers are being urged to use extreme caution when extinguishing their butts in this hot, dry climate.
“Butt out in a proper fashion, not out the window of your car,” said Vernon Fire Rescue deputy chief Jack Blair.
The message came following a fire in Becker Park Thursday, which is under investigation, but may have been caused by a cigarette.
“A lady was out walking her dog in the morning and saw it (grass) smouldering,” said Blair.
Firefighters were called out shortly after 6 a.m. and extinguished it.
“Fortunately it didn’t spread too quickly,” said Blair.
This is the second grass fire in Becker Park this year, with one earlier this spring which was deemed to be suspicious.
The park is frequented not only by hikers but also transients.
The situation could have been much worse if local firefighters hadn’t cleaned up the area a few years ago.
“We were proactive and utilized the Ministry of Forests to clean up debris and reduce the risk of it spreading.”
Currently, the fire danger rating for the Kamloops Fire Region is between moderate and high, therefore extra care is needed in this hot, dry climate.
“We just urge everyone to use extreme caution,” said Blair.
Since April 1, firefighters with the Wildfire Management Branch have responded to 65 fires in the region since April 1.
Temperatures are expected to drop today as Environment Canada is calling for a high of 19 for Vernon and a 40 per cent chance of showers. Temperatures are forecast to remain in the mid-20s for the weekend and early into next week before rain rolls in Wednesday.
