It was around noon when passersby noticed flames shooting out of the windows at Anderson's leather shop. It didn't take long for that fire to spread, destroying a downtown business that's been in Salina for decades.

"There were flames coming out the window five or six feet and the windows were starting to shatter and blow out at that point," said Tom Dill, who is a financial adviser at Edward Jones, next door to Andersons.

"About that time two hook and ladders were coming up on either side of Santa Fe," said Robin Cates, who owns On The Pot pottery shop across the street from Anderson's.

It took Salina firefighters barely 60 seconds to get to Anderson's Leather Shop, but fire was already raging through the business that's been a downtown staple since the 1940's. The thick smoke could be seen more than 10 miles away.

"The first report was heavy flames and smoke coming from the back side of the building from the second story and the roof," said Roger Williams, Fire Marshal with the Salina Fire Department.

More than 30 firefighters worked for nearly 3 hours. At one point, the roof collapsed with firefighters inside. No one was hurt. Crews blocked off Santa Fe and evacuated surrounding businesses. At least 8 stores suffered smoke or water damage.

Firefighters say 84-year-old owner Andy Anderson told them he heard two explosions around the time the fire started. But crews say, as bad as the damage was, it could have been worse.

"There are two fire walls that also helped prevent the fire from spreading," said Williams.

Crews say they'll have to shore up the ceiling before they're able to get inside to find out just what started the fire. Nearby business owners say they're ready to help and are just glad no one was hurt.

"The downtown community is pretty tight and we do a lot for each other and we'll do our best to make sure we do what we can for the Anderson's as well," said Cates.