(Photo by Natalie Ragus)

The massive Station fire, which has burned more than 85,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest since it began Wednesday afternoon, climbed toward Mount Wilson and was within a quarter mile of the peak Monday.

If the fire moves farther up the mountain, it could damage the site of a world-class observatory and many Southern California communication towers that send radio and telephone transmission.

"[The Fire] is probably a lot closer now," said Dianne Cahir, a spokesperson with the Angeles National Forest, adding that firefighters' plan of attack included clearing brush in hopes of removing the fuel the flames need to reach the Mount Wilson Observatory or the surrounding communications towers.

Cahir said she could not confirm whether or not firefighters might set other new small fires to further deflect flames from Mount Wilson.

Two major phone providers in Southern California, AT&T and Verizon, do not have towers on the peak. Several local radio stations will be interrupted if the flames reach the towers.

"KCBS-FM, KAMP-FM, KRTH-FM and KTWV-FM have backup auxiliary power available for if and when the time should come for the stations to need it," said Allison Mandara of CBS Radio.

The fire will affect Clear Channels' KIIS-FM, KHHT-FM, KOST-FM, and KBIG (MYfm). Clear channel said the company plans on using alternate broadcast towers if the fire takes over Mount Wilson.

"We would expect minimal or no impact on business other than a possible change in our signal quality due to transmitting from a different location," wrote Ernie Kristof, director of operations for Clear Channel in L.A., in an email.

Firefighters spent Sunday evening on the peak with two Mount Wilson Observatory staff, but withdrew early Monday morning.

"There was a fear that the site was deteriorating, that they might be trapped," said Observatory Director Hal McAlister.

Cahir explained that firefighters need "dispensable space" to fight the fire. There is only one road going to Mount Wilson, which makes space to combat flames a challenge.

"Our number one priority is the safety of the firefighters, we don't want anymore fire-fighters killed" said Cahir.

The Mount Wilson Observatory was founded in 1904 by George Ellery Hale and is home to major scientific research and historic astrological accomplishments, including the discovery of galaxies outside the Milky Way. It also operates a 60-inch telescope, the largest in the world open to public use.

The original observatory houses projects from USC and UCLA. McAlister estimates the newer facilities, which house projects run by Georgia State and UC Berkeley, are worth $35 million.

To prepare for the fires that frequent Los Angeles in the summer, the observatory had cleared nearby brush and installed a high power water system that on-the-ground firefighters can deploy to combat fire. McAlister said he hopes will that will help protect the observatory.

"If something were to happen to it, would be irreplaceable in terms of the science heritage that would be lost," he said.

In addition to concern about damage to the observatory and communication towers, more than 10,000 homes in the area remain threatened, and residents are under evacuation orders. For road closures and other information, visit www.inciweb.org.