By Jason Younger ~ Hutch Post

A major fire in downtown Hutchinson this morning gutted the studios and offices of Ad Astra Broadcasting destroying the building and its entire contents.

According to Hutchinson Fire Chief Kim Forbes the fire started sometime between midnight and 2am, when it was called in.

Forbes reported that there was heavy smoke and fire when crews arrived. Fire fighters entered the building from the back door but retreated when there was an explosion. Crews then reentered the building and had the fire under control by around 5am.

The fire caused heavy damaged to the entire building and structural damage to at least one wall and the roof.

Ad Astra Broadcasting encompasses four radio stations including KSKU.

Forbes says there is no cause for he fire at this time and Main Street is closed off Between 2nd and 1st Avenues for the rest of the day.