Fires Intentionally Set at Two North Carolina Churches, Officials Say
CLEVELAND COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA — Authorities are investigating two cases of suspected arson after fires were deliberately set at separate churches in rural Cleveland County late Friday night, officials confirmed.
According to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and local fire crews responded to the scenes between 9 and 10 p.m. in the Casar area, located about 55 miles west of Charlotte. The two affected sites were Tabernacle Baptist Church and Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church.
Fires Discovered and Contained Before Major Damage
The sheriff’s office said both fires were discovered by nearby residents who noticed the flames and acted quickly to extinguish them before they spread further.
“Thanks to alert citizens and a fast response by local firefighters, both churches avoided catastrophic destruction,” officials said. While both buildings sustained visible fire and smoke damage, the structures remained standing.
Investigators have since determined the fires were intentionally set, prompting a criminal investigation into potential arson.
Sheriff’s Office Asking for Public’s Help
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or individuals near either church around the time of the incidents to contact the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
Deputies are working alongside state fire investigators to collect evidence and determine whether the two fires are connected. “We’re following several leads at this time,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said. “These appear to be deliberate acts, and we’re treating them very seriously.”
Community Reacts With Shock and Concern
Residents in the small Casar community say they are stunned that anyone would target local houses of worship. The two churches, both long-standing institutions in the area, have served local families for decades.
“This is heartbreaking,” said one church member who arrived shortly after the fire was put out. “These churches are part of the backbone of our town. Whoever did this needs to be brought to justice.”
National Attention on Church-Related Violence
The North Carolina incidents come amid heightened national concern about attacks on places of worship. Just last month, a gunman in Grand Blanc, Michigan, drove into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building before opening fire and setting it ablaze, killing four people and injuring eight others before being shot by police.
While investigators have not linked the Cleveland County fires to any broader pattern, law enforcement officials say they are treating them as serious hate-related crimes until proven otherwise.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Monday, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active. The sheriff’s office has asked anyone with information to call (704) 484-4888.
Authorities say community tips will be crucial in identifying suspects and preventing further incidents.
Stay with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continuing updates on this developing story and other law enforcement news across North and South Carolina.