With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Fire Near Mt. Wilson Observatory Now At 50 Acres and 25% Containment
(Photo courtesy of the Angeles National Forest via Twitter)
()
A fire that broke out before dawn Tuesday morning in the Angeles National Forest near Mt. Wilson Observatory is now at 50 acres and 25% containment, according to authorities.
A spokesperson for Angeles National Forest told LAist that those numbers had been updated earlier this morning, and that they would likely have more information later in the day. The fire was estimated to have engulfed 30 acres yesterday afternoon; the L.A. Times reports that the increase in size to 50 acres "was not due to the fire growing but a more accurate estimate Wednesday morning."
#WilsonFire - infrared aerial mapping by USFS NightWatch Air Attack shows the fire at 50 acres 25% contained pic.twitter.com/8EiahkFZrM
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) October 18, 2017
Authorities previously reported that 20 structures were threatened by the fire, but no damage has yet been reported. Beyond the historic observatory, there are also a number of critical communication towers on the mountain.
Support for LAist comes from
The rocky terrain in the area has made containing the blaze more difficult for firefighters. Angeles National Forest spokeswoman Seneca Smith told the L.A. Times that the fire was affecting an area that's “very steep and rocky and inacessible by foot.”
“It could be several days before we see full containment,” she said.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist