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.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, five people have died in the blaze that has moved through Pasadena, Altadena, and the Angeles National Forest.