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Lightning strikes are capable of causing intense localized damage , s well as loss of life . In contrast to other hazards such as tornadoes and floods , however , they normally do not cause widespread disruptions within a community . Fire , structural damagE to buildings , and damage to electronic devices are common types of damage . An estimate 5 % of all homeowners' insurance claims are related to lightning damage . Farmers face these same threats plus the threat to livestock . In stormy weather, livestock frequently gather under trees to seek shelter or are trapped in barns , where a lightning strike can destroy an entire herd (Western Kentucky University , 2004 ) . 4. 1 . 5. 3 Risk Assessment Vulnerability to severe thunderstorms and lightning is high in Indiar River County , but many of the jurisdictions and population centers have only moderate vulnerabilities relative to these hazards . This variation in relative levels of vulnerability is agcoiin primarily due to construction practices and community characteristics . Working comm nities have a higher vulnerability to economic impacts by lightning than residential or retirement communities , all other factors being equal , while residential and retirement communities have a historically higher vulnerability in terms of lightning fatalities . 4 . 1 . 6 Wildland/Urban Interface Zone 4. 1 . 6. 1 Hazard Identification The recent wildland fires that burned throughout Florida , specifical y central Florida , are examples of the increasing wildland fire threat, which results from the Wildland/ Urban Interface , The Wildland/ Urban Interface is defined as the area where structures and other human development meet with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels ( FEMA , 1996 ) . As residential areas expand into relatively untouched wild lands , forest fires increasingly threaten people living in these communities . Most wildland fires n the County occur during Florida ' s dry season , from January through May . There are three different classes of wildland fires : surface , ground and crown . A surface fire is the most common type and burns along the floor of a forest , moving slowly and killing or damaging trees . A ground fire is usually started by lightning and burns on or below the forest floor. Crown fires spread rapidly by wind and move quickly by jumping along the tops of trees . Wildland fires are usually identified by dense smoke that fills th area for miles around . Rural and large tracts of unimproved lands are susceptible to brush and forest fires capable of threatening life , safety , and property loss in adjacent develop d areas if vegetation on these lands is not routinely maintained . Wildland fires are caused by numerous sources including arson , smoker carelessness , individuals burning debris , equipment throwing sparks , and children playing with matches . However , more fires are caused by lightning strikes and coincide with the height of the thunderstorm season . A major wildland fire can leave a large amount of scorched and barren land , and thesc., areas may not return to pre -fire conditions for decades . If the wildland fire destroys the g rOL nd cover, other potential hazards may develop (e . g . , erosion ) ( FEMA, 1996 ) . Structures in the Wildland/Urban Interface fire zone are vulnerable to ignition by *AW three different ways : radiation , convection , and firebrands ( National Wildland Urban Interface Fire Protection Program , 1997 ) . Radiating heat from a wildland fire can cause ignition by 4-35