On Saturday night, a fire destroyed the Gideon Grove United Methodist Church in Rockingham County. Four miles away, a fire erupted at the Mount Zion United Methodist Church’s fellowship hall Sunday evening.

According to the Greensboro News and Record, Rockingham County Fire Marshal Robert Cardwell says two church fires in about 24 hours were likely both caused by arson.

According to the newspaper, Cardwell says the fire at Mount Zion is without a doubt arson, while the fire at Gideon Grove is more difficult to tell because there was so much damage.

The pastor at Mount Zion estimated the fire caused several thousand dollars in damage. He says the fire happened just a few hours after about 20 children completed the final practice for their Christmas play.

Because of the fires, law enforcement has taken extra precautions, increasing patrols in the area. Cardwell recommended churches turn their outdoor lights on.