The Needham Chabad is the residence of Rabbi Mendy Krinsky and his family. No one was hurt in the fires and the damage was minimal.

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According to ABC affiliate WCVB-TV, agents from the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Massachusetts State Police are all investigating the fires as possible hate crimes, while the US Attorney’s Office in Boston is coordinating the response.

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Arlington Police Department Acting Chief Julie Flaherty said at a news conference on Friday that the fires, set on the shingles on the outside of both homes, were similar in nature.

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“We can’t rule out that they are connected,” Flaherty said, standing among more than 15 local and state officials, the Bukiets, other Chabad leaders and representatives from Boston’s Jewish community.

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Needham Police Chief John Schlittler said his town’s investigation was being conducted in coordination with the state police. One local media outlet reported that the state’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes federal agents, is assisting in the investigation.

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A $15,000 reward was announced by Robert Trestan, director of the New England office of the Anti-Defamation League, adding to a $5,000 reward by the state’s fire marshal, for information that leads to a conviction in the fires.

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“It is important for this to be resolved quickly,” Trestan urged, saying that the attacks are not just on Jewish houses of worship but on the rabbis’ homes.

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Earlier in the day, Chanie Krensky of the Needham Chabad Center described on Facebook her fright when she smelled smoke outside her home and how Rabbi Krensky extinguished the fire before the fire alarm was set off.<

FBI, police investigating Boston Chabad fires as possible hate crimes

The incidents have aroused deep concern and condemnation.

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