Firefighters in Dallas responded on Friday to a massive blaze at the First Dallas Baptist Church, the megachurch associated with pro-Trump pastor Robert Jeffress.
According to The Dallas Morning News, the fire originated from the historic secondary chapel. 40 units were summoned to respond to the fire, which is large enough to be visible from all over the city.
Per the report, "while Dallas Fire-Rescue first classified the fire as a second-alarm fire, they upgraded it to a third-alarm at 7:25 p.m. This means that the fire calls for a larger response including four fire engines, three trucks and two rescues ... The fire has appeared to worsen since first responders were called around 6 p.m. Dark gray smoke continues to fill the sky above the chapel and church. The building erupted into flames around 7:30 p.m."
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"Just heartbreaking news out of Dallas tonight," wrote former Fox News turned Newsmax commentator Todd Starnes on X. "First Baptist Church is on fire. No word on injuries. The blaze is believed to have started in the historic chapel. Pray for our friends and pastor."
No cause for the fire has yet been determined.
Jeffress, who has been a close ally of Trump for years, has also proclaimed his support for Christian nationalism, the extreme movement seeking to place all of America under Christian law.
"We always put our love for God above everything, even allegiance to our country," said Jeffress in a 2022 interview with Real America's Voice host Tim Clinton. "But that's not what they're really talking about. Listen carefully. They say they are opposed to people who say America was founded as a Christian nation, Americans who believe not only in the spiritual heritage of our nation, but believe that we ought to use elections to help return our country to its Christian foundation."
On Friday, he asked for prayers.
"PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH," he said on X. "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 continued:
"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."
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH.
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…
— Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) July 20, 2024
