Firefighters are currently battling a two-alarm fire at First Baptist Dallas Church in downtown Dallas. Plumes of black smoke were seen rising through the Downtown Dallas skyline on Friday evening. The call came in just after 6 p.m. in the 500 block of Ervay Street, and heavy smoke is coming from the historic sanctuary.

First responders arrived at the church’s secondary chapel and found “heavy smoke and fire conditions involving the structure.” Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Residents from as far as Irving, Texas, could reportedly see the flames. The church’s senior pastor, Robert Jeffress, has drawn attention for his “politically charged remarks” and was one of former President Donald Trump’s top Christian advisers.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

What is the history of the First Baptist Church in Dallas?

First Baptist Church Dallas has a rich history dating back to July 30, 1868. It was founded with eleven members who met in the Masonic Hall near Ross Avenue in downtown Dallas. In 1872, they pooled their funds to purchase their first building on Akard Street.

The cornerstone of the current sanctuary, where the congregation worships today, was laid in 1891. Over the years, the church has established several affiliated ministries, including First Baptist Academy of Dallas and Criswell College.

In recent times, it has expanded its facilities and even hosted notable speakers like Ted Cruz. The church remains influential as a denominational leader among Protestant churches in the United States