SOUTHLAND : Periled by Fire, Observatory Shut
A fire in the Cleveland National Forest today closed Mt. Palomar Observatory until further notice although the blaze has shifted away from the historic facility, officials said.
About 500 firefighters were brought in to protect equipment and structures after the 10,780-acre wildfire came within three miles of the observatory in San Diego County, home of the nation’s largest optical telescope, said U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Audrey Hagen.
But Hagen said winds shifted early this morning, pushing the wall of flame westward away from the hilltop facility, which also has a museum and gallery.
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