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