UPDATE MONDAY: The ATF and FBI are investigating the fire at First Baptist Dallas.
A spokesman tells CBS News the Dallas Fire-Rescue asked the ATF to be part of the investigation.
“It is not standard, but not unheard of,” said Robert Borse, with Dallas Fire-Rescue. “We requested because initial callers said they heard a ‘boom.’ That has since been proven inaccurate.”
Sara Abel, with ATF Dallas Field Division, said her agency was asked to assist with the investigation “as it is one of the ‘services’ we at AFT provide.”
“It doesn’t necessarily mean that the case has a federal nexus,” Abel said in an email. “Our Certified Fire Investigators are highly trained and often asked to assist on many types of fire scenes.
UPDATE 10:08 P.M. Dr. Robert Jeffress, the pastor of First Baptist Dallas, said they had just concluded Vacation Bible School. More than 2,000 children had been at the church. There was no one in the building when the fire started.
“This sanctuary has been around since 1890,” he told Fox News in Dallas. “It holds a lot of memories, but we thank God that nobody has been hurt. We had just concluded Vacation Bible School with over 2,000 kids. They were all gone. So, God has protected us through all of this.”
“It hurts,” Jeffress said, referring to the destruction of the historic building. “But I’m grateful that the church is not bricks and mortar or wood. It’s people. And the people of God will endure. First Baptist Dallas will endure. And we thank so many of our friends around the country who are praying for us right now.”
UPDATE: The Dallas Fire Dept. says the blaze at First Baptist is now a three-alarm fire.
UPDATE: Franklin Graham urges the nation to “pray for the people of First Baptist Dallas.”
DEVELOPING STORY: A massive fire is burning at the historic First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. The church, located in downtown Dallas, is pastored by Dr. Robert Jeffress. A church spokesperson said there are no injuries.
Ben Lovvorn, executive pastor of First Baptist Dallas, told The Dallas Morning News outside the church that he believes the fire started shortly after 6 p.m. but that he did not yet know the cause.
When firefighters arrived they were met with heavy smoke and immediately started attacking the blaze. From videos and photos posted on social media, several fire engines were on the scene.
We have experienced a fire in the Historic Sanctuary.
To our knowledge, no one is hurt or injured, and we thank God for His protection. He is sovereign even in the most difficult times.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
We will keep you updated as we prepare to come together to worship.
First Baptist Dallas
The historic chapel is more than 125 years old and contained historic and irreplaceable artifacts.
Heartbreaking to hear that the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas is on fire.
— Gabriel Hughes (@Pastor_Gabe) July 20, 2024
Someone said they heard an explosion. Foul play? Nothing known yet. Praying for FBC. pic.twitter.com/e3qRU6Kmrw
First Baptist downtown Dallas is on fire #dallastexas @DallasTexasTV @dallasnews pic.twitter.com/v2zZXFHpVI
— Jasmine Green (@JazEscape) July 19, 2024
Current situation in downtown Dallas at First Baptist Church pic.twitter.com/u7w60GSnzK
— Austin York (@realAustinYork) July 19, 2024
JUST IN: New video emerges showing smoke billowing from First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas, following reports of an explosion. pic.twitter.com/Z7U9hPkR4V https://t.co/ie09fg2zzF
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) July 20, 2024
❗️🔥🇺🇸 – The First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas, Texas, is currently on fire. There is no immediate information available on any potential injuries. pic.twitter.com/9URZfmA1z4
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) July 20, 2024
