Fire causes partial collapse at First Baptist Church’s secondary chapel in downtown Dallas, reports say

Officials say the fire may have started in the basement; no injuries reported

DALLAS – Flames were billowing from a chapel on the property of First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas on Friday evening, according to multiple reports.

First responders arrived at the four-alarm fire at the church’s secondary chapel and found “heavy smoke and fire conditions involving the structure,” a fire captain told The Dallas Morning News.

The captain also told The Dallas Morning News that the blaze caused the secondary chapel to “largely” collapse.

According to WFAA, Dallas’ ABC affiliate, residents from as far as Irving, Texas, could reportedly see flames.

Firefighters battle flames at First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas, reports say (KSAT 2024)

Fire crews told WFAA that the fire started in the structure’s basement, which the TV station said is home to a church library and its archives.

The Dallas Morning News later reported that crews continued to spray water on hot spots at the chapel early Saturday morning hours after officials considered the fire contained.

First Baptist Dallas is a church that dates its origin back to the late 19th century. Dr. Robert Jeffress was named its pastor in 2007.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries have been reported.


About the Authors

Mason Hickok is a digital journalist at KSAT. He graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a communication degree and a minor in film studies. He also spent two years working at The Paisano, the independent student newspaper at UTSA. Outside of the newsroom, he enjoys the outdoors, reading and watching movies.

Andrew Wilson is a digital journalist and social media producer at KSAT.

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