ATF participates in investigation of Level 4 fire at historic First Baptist Dallas sanctuary

DALLAS – Investigators, including those from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, continue to investigate Friday’s massive Level Four fire at the historic First Baptist Dallas sanctuary.

A spokesman said Dallas Fire-Rescue has asked the ATF to participate in the investigation.

“It’s not standard, but it’s not unusual either,” said Robert Borse of the Dallas Fire Department. “We asked for this because the first callers said they heard a ‘bang.’ That has since been proven false.”

Sara Abel of the ATF’s Dallas Field Division said her agency was asked to assist in the investigation “as this is one of the ‘services’ we provide at the AFT.”

“This does not necessarily mean the case has a federal connection,” Abel said in an email. “Our certified fire inspectors are highly trained and are often asked to assist at many types of fire scenes.”

“At this early stage of the investigation, there is no indication as to whether this is a crime or not. It is too early to judge.”

Abel said the investigation was ongoing.

Meanwhile, Pastor Robert Jeffress said the church will combine its usual three services and hold a joint service at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St. in downtown Dallas.

The service will also be streamed live at icampus.firstdallas.org.

“We continue to praise God for his protective hand over our church and are thankful that no one was injured,” said Jeffress, the church’s senior pastor. “We are also grateful to the first responders who helped contain the fire at our historic sanctuary.”

“We know that God is in control and that even in difficult times He rules over all things,” said Pastor Dr. Ben Lovvorn in a press release.

The historic First Baptist Dallas sanctuary, which opened in 1890 and remained in use until 2013, is a major downtown landmark and has hosted visits by Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Gerald Ford, George HW Bush and Donald Trump.

The Level 4 fire reported at 1717 San Jacinto St. was contained late Friday.

Borse said the church must erect barriers around the historic sanctuary, provide round-the-clock security and submit a report from a structural engineer within 24 hours.

“If the structure is unstable, it will be demolished,” Borse said. “DFR will remain on-site until structural integrity is determined or the structure is demolished.”

On Friday, Dallas firefighters arrived at 6:09 p.m. to find heavy smoke and fire. The fire was upgraded to a second alarm at 6:20 p.m., a third alarm at 7:30 p.m. and a fourth alarm at 8:15 p.m.

Borse said most firefighting operations were suspended between 2 and 3 a.m. Saturday.

No injuries were reported.