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Rey Fire Now Also Threatening Gibraltar Reservoir

(Santa Barbara County Fire Photo)

Normally, a large concrete structure is not a big source of worry during a fire.

That's different for the Rey Fire in the Santa Ynez Valley, which is now is threatening the Gibraltar dam site behind Santa Barbara.

The objects at risk? A number of structures necessary for the dam's operation.

Crews have widened and reinforced bulldozer lines around the dam in case flames go that way.

Even though the water levels are very low due to the drought, the dam, which opened in 1920 provides Santa Barbara with 30% of its water.

It's located over the front-country range, about five miles away from the city of Santa Barbarba.

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