Fires in small Casar community extinguished before major damage; investigation underway
CASAR, N.C. (Worthy News) – Authorities are investigating two suspected arson attacks on churches in a small North Carolina town after fires were deliberately set late Friday night.
According to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, the fires broke out between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church and Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church, both located near Casar — a rural community of roughly 300 residents northwest of Charlotte.
“Fortunately, both fires were spotted by citizens who quickly put the fire out before significant damage occurred,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “These events are still under investigation.”
No arrests have been made, and authorities confirmed that arson is suspected. Deputies responded to the scenes alongside local fire departments and the Cleveland County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Local residents played a crucial role in preventing the destruction of the churches. Neighbors told WSOC-TV that a group of Boy Scouts passing by on their way to a camping trip stopped and used their own water and tea to douse flames at Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church. The building suffered minor siding damage.
At Tabernacle Baptist Church, a member of the 35-person congregation happened to drive by and spotted the fire in time to stop it from spreading. “If it wasn’t for them, it might not be here yet,” said Pastor Homer Tessner, expressing gratitude that the church was spared.
Pastor Billy Boone of Calvary’s Cross Baptist said the incidents have left the tight-knit community shaken. “We’ve never had anything like this to happen before, and the church has been in existence for 50 years,” Boone told local media.
The two churches are located about eight miles apart. Both pastors and community members are now praying for answers and justice.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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