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.

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

Grace Toohey is a reporter at the Los Angeles Times covering breaking news for the Fast Break Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Sentinel and the Advocate in Baton Rouge. Toohey is a Maryland native and proud Terp.

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

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 key NASA center remains under a mandatory evacuation order, but officials say both it and Mount Wilson are protected for now.

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