BREAKING: Two churches intentionally set on fire in North Carolina: police

Fortunately, the fires were spotted by residents before the flames were able to do that much damage, per the sheriff's office. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office said that arson is the cause and an investigation is underway. The local fire departments as well as other authorities responded on the scene to put out the fires.

"On the night of 10/17/2025 between 9:00pm and 10:00pm, intentional fires were set at two different churches in the Casar, NC area. Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded alongside local fire department personnel and Cleveland County Fire Marshalls Office," police said.

"The churches affected, Tabernacle Baptist Church on Corinth Church Rd and Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church on Mt. Zion Church Rd., were both damaged by suspected arson. Fortunately, both fires were spotted by citizens who quickly put the fire out before significant damage occurred. These events are still under investigation," a press release added.

There were immediate leads on suspects after the incident. The incident comes just weeks after a gunman rammed a truck into a church in Michigan where a group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were worshipping on a Sunday. Thomas Sanford exited the vehicle, while also lighting the church on fire, shot several victims, killing four people. Sanford was then killed in a shootout with an officer that was off duty attending the service.

Police have been searching for leads as well as surveillance video in the area to identify a culprit. Those with more information on the arson case are encouraged to call the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at 704-484-4822 or Crime Stoppers at 704-481-8477.