[SEL] Mt. Wilson?????

[Larry Evans]

Dave and all,

I have been monitoring the situation closely and get conflicting reports.

The Observatory is definitely threatened by fire but the degree of threat 
depends on who you listen to.  I do know the fire has gotten as close as 
two miles and then seemed to retreat some.  Since all the TV and radio 
broadcast towers for the Los Angeles basin are located on the same ridge 
and adjacent to the Observatory you would think that if the area was in 
immediate danger of burning the newscasters would spend lots of time 
covering the area but they will mention the possibility and then move on to 
something important like baseball scores or ???

For what I consider reliable information go to:
http://www.mtwilson.edu/
and about half way down on the left click on "Station" fire threatens Mt. 
Wilson.  This is current information written by the Director of the 
Observatory who is in contact with the two staff persons that are there to 
aid the fire crews that have been there since yesterday clearing brush and 
doing all they can to help defend the area.

All the main buildings are as fire proof as the technology of 1910 provided 
for with concrete construction, corrugated steel roofs, metal shutters on 
the windows, etc.  In my estimation if a fire were to sweep through there 
should be minimal damage as far as the telescopes are concerned.  The 
powerhouse where the 1911 50 hp Fairbanks Morse Type RE is should also 
provide good protection.

I will try to keep you updated as I hear anything new.

Larry Evans

At 05:35 PM 8/30/2009, you wrote:
>Hi All, Just arrived home from Portland. Turned on FOX news and was
>informed that Mt Wilson Observatory is in danger of burning! Anyone in
>KA have any updated information?
>         Dave
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>SEL at lists.stationary-engine.com
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Larry Evans
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