The blaze threatened the observatory and communications infrastructure at the peak. Later, an observatory official said it appeared to be under control.

The Eaton Fire burning through the hillsides and mountains above Pasadena is now approaching the Mount Wilson Observatory, with potential implications for both the historic structures and emergency communications during the ongoing wildfire siege devastating Los Angeles.

An immediate evacuation has been ordered for Mount Wilson and the Observatory as the Eaton Canyon Fire advances. Mount Wilson, above Los Angeles, is home to numerous television and radio transmission towers which are utilized for stations in the greater L.

Officials with Mt. Wilson Observatory reported last night that the Eaton Fire, which reached the top of Mt. Wilson, the broadcast hub for Los Angeles on Thursday, now “seems to be under control.”

The Eaton Fire that started in the foothills northeast of Los Angeles flared up Thursday morning near Mount Wilson.

Authorities could not say what or how many structures are threatened by the spread, such as communication towers and the Mount Wilson observatory.

The Eaton Fire made a run for Mount Wilson on Thursday - but the historic observatory and telescope were not damaged, thanks to firefighters.

The wildfires that have been rampaging southern California this week reached the top of Mt. Wilson on Thursday, the broadcast hub for Los Angeles.

Watch an extended clip of live footage from the Eaton Fire threatening broadcast transmission equipment atop Mt. Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains. Jan. 9, 2025.

Towers for all the major TV stations are located on the mountain, as are transmitters for many FM radio stations.