Police said that two people under the age of 18 set separate fires at churches in Massachusetts communities. There is no indication that the fires are connected.

A 12-year-old set multiple fires over the span of a week at a church in Marblehead, police said. Fires were reported at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on Atlantic Ave. on two consecutive Sundays, September 21 and September 28.

During each incident, small fires were reported in a church bathroom and quickly contained before they could spread.

There was no permanent damage to the church.

The Marblehead Police Department, Marblehead Fire Department and the state fire marshal's office investigated the fires and determined they had been intentionally set.

On Monday, investigators said a 12-year-old, whose name was not released because they are a minor, was the one responsible for the fires.

"We take all fire incidents seriously, no matter how small, and are grateful for the teamwork that helped us bring this case to a swift resolution," Marblehead Fire Chief Jason Gilliland said in a statement. "We are thankful to the parish staff for their vigilance, and to our partners in law enforcement who assisted in this investigation."

Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King said this appears to have been an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.

"We are ever vigilant to protect our places of worship and appreciate the assistance of our public safety partners and the church staff to identify the individual responsible and hold them accountable," King said.

Beverly church fire

Early Monday morning a small fire and vandalism was reported at Pilgrim Church in Beverly. Police arrested a 17-year-old and charged him with burgling in the nighttime to commit a felony, arson to a building, and arson to a house of worship. He will be arraigned in Salem District Court on Tuesday.

Police said there was minor smoke damage to the church and no other churches in the area were targeted.

"Because they were able to get in there as quickly as they did and receive the 911 they did. They were able to knock it down very quickly," Beverly Police Chief John Lelacheur said.

"We thank God no one was injured, the Beverly Fire and Police Departments responded promptly and despite some damages, our worship space and kitchen were largely untouched," Pilgrim Church Reverend Valeria Doering Crimson said in a statement.

Officers in Beverly are debating the best way to patrol places of worship in the wake of targeted attacks.

"Especially now, during the high holidays and then other holidays that pop up. On weekends, we follow up and have officers do extra patrols," Lelacheur said.