1 firefighter injured as crews battle fire at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Dallas

DALLAS - One firefighter was injured and a church was heavily damaged in a fire in southern Dallas County on Friday.

Dallas Fire-Rescue says a fire started around 12:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church on Haymarket Road, south of I-20 and west of Highway 175.

Pastor P.D. Taylor was working inside the church, prepping his Sunday sermon, when he noticed smoke coming from a hallway.

"That was strange to me," Taylor said.

The 85-year-old pastor, who uses a cane to walk, was the only one at the church at the time.

He made it outside to call his wife.

"Jeanie, the building is on fire. Pray," said Taylor.

SKY 4 shows flames ripping through the top of the church, with heavy smoke filling the air.

Dallas Fire Rescue says 50 firefighters helped put out the 2-alarm fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

While you might label the fire as a tragedy for the church, Taylor speaks with a sense of calm.

"There’s a reason and I don’t have to worry about it," he said. "When I die, I know where I’m going because Dec. 3, 1967, I accepted Christ as Lord and Savior of my life."

Taylor is grateful that the fire was somehow contained to the church offices and barely spread to the sanctuary. He is also thankful that most of the books in his office are salvageable.

"We see God working," he said. "We trust him."

The church will not be able to meet in the sanctuary this weekend, but they plan to find a way to host a Sunday service somewhere.

 One firefighter was injured and transported to a hospital, but is stable.