MONROE - Police are investigating two fires reported Wednesday in two city parks.
Police Chief Fred Kelley said "coincidental circumstances" and the "relatively short time" between the two incidents indicate the fires may have been set intentionally.
A fire in Recreation Park was reported at 6:57 p.m. Wednesday. Kelley said the smothering fire was in a trash barrel in a south shelter. The incident could be from vandalism or "negligent handling" of fire material.
The Monroe Fire Department pulled the barrel out from under the shelter and extinguished it.
Park Supervisor Paul Klinzing said he got a call and was told the fire was "blazing pretty good." He advised the person to call 911.
The metal trash barrel is "damaged but usable," Klinzing said.
At 7:14 p.m. Wednesday, a park bench was reported on fire in the southwest corner of Twining Park. The fire was extinguished by visitors in the park before police arrived. Police report minimal damage to the bench.
Both incident reports indicate two people were seen in the area a short time before the fires were visible.
The Monroe Fire Department was dispatched to both incidents.
Police Chief Fred Kelley said "coincidental circumstances" and the "relatively short time" between the two incidents indicate the fires may have been set intentionally.
A fire in Recreation Park was reported at 6:57 p.m. Wednesday. Kelley said the smothering fire was in a trash barrel in a south shelter. The incident could be from vandalism or "negligent handling" of fire material.
The Monroe Fire Department pulled the barrel out from under the shelter and extinguished it.
Park Supervisor Paul Klinzing said he got a call and was told the fire was "blazing pretty good." He advised the person to call 911.
The metal trash barrel is "damaged but usable," Klinzing said.
At 7:14 p.m. Wednesday, a park bench was reported on fire in the southwest corner of Twining Park. The fire was extinguished by visitors in the park before police arrived. Police report minimal damage to the bench.
Both incident reports indicate two people were seen in the area a short time before the fires were visible.
The Monroe Fire Department was dispatched to both incidents.