Stockton Fire Crews Battle Earle Hotel Fire Near Downtown

STOCKTON (CBS13) — A fire near downtown Stockton is burned through a historic hotel on Wednesday.

The fire at the Earle Hotel on Main Street started just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The first floor was well involved when fire crews arrived, and the floor on the second floor began to collapse. Rather than risk the safety of firefighters, crews are now attacking it from the outside.

There is concern that the outer walls could crumble because of the age of the building.

The hotel is currently abandoned.

Firefighters are also trying to protect nearby businesses from ash that may be carried on the high winds.