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Mt. Wilson Observatory at risk from wildfires

Started by dcnewman, 08/31/2009 12:50AM
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Posted 08/31/2009 12:50AM | Edited 08/31/2009 12:51AM Opening Post
Dan Newman
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Location: Mt. Baldy CA, US

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Citing http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-angeles-fire,0,5292469.story ,


Firefighters have been pulled away from Mount Wilson, where critical broadcast
towers for many television and radio stations are located, including KTLA.

And just a very short ways to the east on that ridge line is the Mt. Wilson Observatory
with its 60" refractor. Also, http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/08/station-fire-approaching-historic-mt-wilson-observatory-fire-officials-say.html


http://www.mtwilson.edu/
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Posted 08/31/2009 02:57AM #1
Dan Newman
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Looks like fire crews have remained in place for the time being, as per the
8:07 PM update at

http://www.mtwilson.edu/fire.php


Sunday, 30 Aug 09, 8:07 pm PDT - A critical aspect to the survivability of the Observatory should the fire sweep across it is whether or not fire fighters will be on site during such an event. The U.S. Forest Service continually assesses the danger to fire fighters in any scenario and will withdraw fire crews in situations that are particularly precarious. Such an evaluation took place on Mount Wilson in the last half hour with the decision for the fire crews to remain in place tonight. That's very good news.
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