Flames shoot through the roof of Dalton Computers in this photo taken from the alley by George Lasecki.

Firefighters from six departments battled the downtown fire late Thursday night and early Friday morning, containing the flames to the store at 25 South Elk Street, and preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.

A state police fire marshal, Sgt. Jim Bush from the Lapeer Post, was called to the scene that night and searched through debris Friday morning to try to determine the cause of the fire. He was expected back yesterday at 9 a.m., bringing a police dog trained in sniffing for an accelerant that may have been used to start the fire.

Sandusky Fire Chief Todd Hillman said the blaze was "still under investigation" and would not comment if foul play were suspected. He did say the blaze originated in the upstairs.

"It's not common but it's not unusual" to bring in a dog," said the fire chief. "We're trying to figure it out so why not bring in all our resources."

He said Tuesday's investigation would take most of the day, with crews digging through debris.

"If they determine it's an arson, we'll follow up with an investigation," said Police Chief Paul Cowley.

Cowley said a person was seen walking out the outside door that leads to the upstairs around 5 p.m. He said the owner, Rod Jordan, told officers he left the building about that time, after taking holiday decorations to the second floor that was used for storage. Cowley said the door, located on the north side of the building was unlocked.

Sandusky firemen were dispatched at10:31 p.m., and were assisted by departments from Carsonville, Croswell, Elk Township, Marlette and Moore Township.

Seventy to eighty firefighters poured an estimated 170,000 gallons of water on the flames and had the fire under control by 2 a.m., said Hillman.

At one point, flames shot through the roof and out the second story windows, as heavy smoke enveloped firemen breathing from air-packs.

Police advised two bars on the block - the Wooden Nickel and Boots, as well as the Sandusky radio station to evacuate customers and staff.

"l tell you, when I saw the flames bursting out of the building, I thought the whole block would be a goner," said Bob Armstrong, general manager of radio stations WMIC-AM and WTGV-FM, who hauled two computers with business records from the station after being notified of the fire.

"They did a heck of a job," said Armstrong. "The training and investment the community has put in the fire department has saved a block. The wind was a factor and they overcame that. It was miraculous there were no injures and only one building went."

"When we got there, there was smoke in the upper left hand corner, where that building joined the old bakery," said Hillman. "We thought the fire was in the old bakery," said Hillman, but firemen checked the building only found a little smoke.

When "we opened the back door of Dalton's, and the bottom level of the store part, it was clear," said Hillman. "One fireman actually walked through the building (from the alley) and walked out the front door." Then the smoke started coming out the second story eaves, and it "just started getting worse and worse," said Hillman.

He estimated the fire had been going 45 minutes to an hour before it was reported.

Firefighters attacked the burning structure from two fronts: the street and the alley.

Hillman said the three aerial trucks made the difference in containing the blaze. Firefighters aimed water canons down on rooftops. Croswell Fire Department's aerial truck was stationed on Elk, while the Marlette and Sandustry aerial trucks were in the alley.

Sandusky's vehicle was originally positioned on Elk Street, but when a water valve stuck temporarily, Croswell's truck was brought in and was setting up as the flames burst through the roof, said Croswell Fire Chief Tom Dickensheets.

Fire damage was contained to the computer store and scorch marks on nearby roofs. Neighboring businesses sustained smoke damage.

"I've spent six years building up this business," said Jordan, as he surveyed the damage to his building Friday morning. "I don't think I can (salvage) anything from this."

"I want to rebuild", he said, and plans to run the 3,000 customer-based business from his home in Peck or from another building.

He said the structure was insured for $200,000, and contents for $100,000. He said the contents, including computers, supplies and a kitchen area for a new Internet café business he planned to open this summer, were valued at $100,000.

Jordan said he intended to increase the insurance coverage, but hadn't contacted his agent.