Court records say David Gibson was trying to stay warm and lit a fire inside the vacant church that ultimately spread to 'unbearable' conditions on Monday.
HFD officials said at least two firefighters had to be transported to the hospital and are stable. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
"I'm still in shock and disbelief. 37 years in, and it's like your own home has been burnt, and you've lost everything in it," the church's pastor said.
Overhaul companies remain on the scene of a historic Baptist church in Dallas after a major fire broke out Friday, leaving the structure largely collapsed. As of Saturday morning, the fire was knocked down and contained.
"We're still going to worship because church is not the building, church is the people," the pastor said. ABC13 cameras captured parishioners gathered outside in the parking lot, holding hands and praying.
After years of reconstruction, ABC News correspondent James Longman revisited Notre Dame, and was able to stand on top of the newly erected spire, reflecting on the restoration process, before the planned reopening in December of 2024.