Firebugs have set tanbark in a Springvale playground alight twice in recent weeks.
Greater Dandenong CIU are investigating following the second incident at Alex Nelson Reserve on Thursday 18 January.
Senior Constable Blake Gilbert said a 16-year-old boy playing football in the park spotted the smouldering woodchips about 8pm and called triple-zero.
CFA crews attended and extinguished the fire. Police seized a barbecue gas lighter from the scene.
Sen Const Gilbert said the fire did not cause any property damage.
“But obviously there’s concern, being the second fire in same location in recent months and huge potential for that fire to spread given the heat conditions,” he said.
He urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.