L.A. Fire May Take Out Mount Wilson

For those of you who aren't from the L.A. area, all of the 22 TV stations that broadcast over the air in the Los Angeles basin have transmitters on Mount Wilson. In addition, may other broadcasters, including radio and public service, have transmitters or repeaters up there. A fire is now threatening to take the whole bunch out:

Authorities say flames from a major wildfire north of Los Angeles are about to reach Mount Wilson, home to a historic observatory and transmitters for every major television and radio station in the area.

Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Mark Savage tells KABC-TV Sunday that "it's not a matter of if it impacts Mount Wilson, it's a matter of when," and estimated that the flames could leap to the top of the mountain within a few hours.

Savage says firefighters could be pulled at any moment if the situation becomes dangerous.

Television stations say if the antennas burn, broadcast signals will be affected but satellite and cable transmissions should not be.

Two giant telescopes and several multimillion-dollar astronomy programs are also located at the observatory.

Many moons ago when I was flying my own airplane I remember skimming low over Mount Wilson as I was descending into the Los Angeles basin. I had to duck down quickly to stay out of the controlled area for LAX. The top of that mountain looks like the back of a porcupine with all the towers sticking up, and each tower has a transmitter building, all of it surrounded by trees and brush.

This could get ugly, and very expensive.