California blaze grows to 140,000-plus acres.

A fierce fight was waged Tuesday to save a key communications complex and historic observatory atop Mount Wilson. The collection of towers is vital for government communications and nearly 50 radio and TV stations.

Fire retardant dropped from the air and firefighters clearing brush helped protect Mount Wilson, at least temporarily.

It is unclear what caused the Station fire, which charred an area that had not seen a major fire in more than 60 years.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency Friday as a result of the Station Fire. He also proclaimed a state of emergency on Tuesday in San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles, where the Oak Glen Fire had scorched more than 1,000 acres. That fire was about 60 percent contained, fire officials said Tuesday.

The Pendleton Fire, also in San Bernardino, had burned nearly 900 acres by late Tuesday and was threatening 400 residences, according to fire officials. The blaze was 60 percent contained.

Schwarzenegger had declared states of emergency in Placer, Monterey and Mariposa counties because of fires.

California blaze grows to 140,000-plus acres - CNN.com