Official assessment from structural engineers or Dallas Fire-Rescue

Dallas Fire-Rescue Battles Two-Alarm Blaze, Explosion Reported at Historic First Baptist Church

Jul 20, 2024, 12:08 AM

Several Dallas Fire-Rescue crews are responding to a major incident involving a fire at the historic First Baptist Church in Downtown Dallas. The fire, which has escalated to a two-alarm blaze, was first reported just after 6 p.m. at 1717 San Jacinto Street. Witnesses have reported heavy smoke and fire conditions, and there are unverified reports of an explosion at the site. The First Baptist Church, founded in 1868 and led by Dr. Robert Jeffress, is a significant landmark in the Southern Baptist community, with its historic sanctuary's cornerstone laid in 1891. Firefighters are currently battling the blaze, and video footage shows smoke billowing from the church.