‘PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH’: Massive 4-Alarm Fire At Historic First Baptist Church In Dallas, Pastor Robert Jeffress Says No Reported Injuries
“PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH,” wrote Pastor Robert Jeffress in a Facebook post announcing the massive fire at the historic downtown sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Dallas.
At least one part of the church’s downtown complex collapsed, according to the Dallas Morning News, citing Dallas fire Capt. Robert Borse.
“At 6:05 p.m., responders were called to the chapel at 1717 San Jacinto Street and were confronted with ‘heavy smoke and fire conditions involving the structure,'” Borse told the paper. “After 7 p.m., more than an hour into the response, dozens of firefighters and emergency personnel dispersed between trucks and patrol cars parked outside the church as fire alarms blared and flashed from inside the building.”
Local news reports seem to indicate the department has continued to battle the blaze and efforts to contain it were still underway after 8PM local time – between 9 and 10 Eastern – but few details are available from the city’s official channels at the time of this post.
Social media has seen both appeals for prayer as well as videos from the scene. Paula Bolyard, writing for conservative outlet PJM, notes that Jeffress is a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and the fire is taking place less than a week after the attempted assassination of Trump.
Footage of First Baptist Church Dallas, founded 1868. It’s a SBC church, currently led by Dr. Robert Jeffress.
This is the historic sanctuary, the cornerstone was laid in 1891.
Other reports say there was the sound of a loud explosion as well. Pray for this church. pic.twitter.com/chEpOaTufF
— William Wolfe 🇺🇸 (@William_E_Wolfe) July 20, 2024
First Baptist downtown Dallas is on fire #dallastexas @DallasTexasTV @dallasnews pic.twitter.com/v2zZXFHpVI
— Jasmine Green (@JazEscape) July 19, 2024
Watch the clip above via CBS affiliate KTXA Dallas.
This is a breaking news story and may be updated.
