OAKLAND — A 10-year-old girl has been charged with arson in connection with a late Sunday afternoon fire that damaged St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on East Oak Street.

The fire began in the choir section at the front of the church when the girl was allegedly playing with matches. A cushion on one of the church pews was ignited during the incident, according to Maryland Deputy State Fire Marshal Jamie Rodeheaver.

Two Girl Scout leaders discovered the fire and then used portable extinguishers to douse the fire.

The church at 318 E. Oak St. sustained moderate fire damage and heavy smoke damage. The Fire Marshal’s Office estimated damages to the structure at $5,000 and $25,000 to the contents.

After being charged in the case, the girl was released to the custody of her parents, pending action by juvenile court.

Oakland and Deer Park volunteer fire companies and Southern Rescue Squad also responded to the scene following alert at 4:58 p.m.