Just as flames broke through the roof of the Dover Baptist Church near Lindale, a second fire was reported at Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church near the Smith-Van Zandt county line. That building was destroyed in minutes.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms were on the scene at both fires. Earlier the ATF determined that a fire that destroyed the sanctuary of Russell Memorial United Methodist Church in Wills Point on Feb. 4 was set intentionally.
The first fire ruled arson occurred New Year’s Day at Faith Church in Athens, Texas.
The ATF is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fires.
