From rural communities in Acton, the line of flames in the Station Fire spread south across 20 miles towards Pasadena, threatening the iconic observatory on Mount Wilson, as well as numerous TV, radio and cell towers on the peak. Patricia Nazario reports, the Southland’s protracted drought makes ideal weather conditions for wildfires to spread fast:
In Acton, a garden sculpture stands amidst the rubble. (Photo by Patricia Nazario)
The 2009 California wildfires season amounted to about 9,160 blazes that burned some 405,500 acres. The Station Fire was the largest and deadliest of the season. Two firefighters died in the line of duty, and the 120 structures were destroyed. Southern California’s severe drought, hot weather and strong Santa Ana winds were contributing factors to the extreme fire conditions.
