7/18/2008
TIM UNRUH
Investigators might never determine what caused the May 21 first at Anderson’s Leather Shop, 118 N. Santa Fe, Salina Fire Marshall Roger Williams said Friday.
“We’re running of leads, running out of options on this one,” Williams said. “I don’t know that we’ll ever make a determination as to how this thing actually started.”
He said he’s still waiting on a final determination on the integrity of the fire wall between Anderson’s and The Groove, a bar next door.
The fire, preceded by two explosions, was reported shortly after noon May 21 and quickly collapsed the ceiling over the southern part of the business. Hundreds of people watched firefighters fight the blaze at the longtime downtown business.
Local firefighters are working with investigators from Cincinnati Insurance and engineers.
“We have exhausted all the means and resources that I have available,” Williams said.