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plants found in Florida eco-systems have a waxy leaf <br /> surfaces or resinous sap. These plants can burn even <br /> though the leaves are still green. Both dead and live fuels <br /> also tend to dry more rapidly in areas where extensive <br /> drainage systems have been constructed for development. <br /> The biggest concern for firefighters is how close the fuel <br /> (vegetation) is to the home. Firefighters recommend at <br /> least 30 feet of defensible space between home and <br /> woods. <br /> • Building Construction —Construction materials such as <br /> vinyl soffits and siding and wood shake shingles have a <br /> greater potential for damage from wildfire than fire resistant <br /> building materials. Vinyl soffits will soften when exposed to <br /> heat or flames from a wildfire and fall away from the roof <br /> trusses. When this occurs, windblown embers(fire brands0 <br /> can enter the attic area and ignite the ceiling/ roof. <br /> • Fire Protection —The key to successful controlling any <br /> wildfire is starting suppression action (attacking the wildfire) <br /> while it is still small. Firefighter access to a dedicated <br /> supply of water is an important factor. A reliable water <br /> source that will be unaffected by a sudden power loss is <br /> much better than relying on individual residential well <br /> systems and "trucked in"water to fight a wildfire and protect <br /> homes. Numerous structures may be threatened <br /> simultaneously, requiring large quantities of water. <br /> • Utilities—Above ground utilities can be both a cause of <br /> wildfire and also a hindrance to effective suppression. <br /> Florida Forest Service's firefighting dozers and fire plows <br /> can fall into unmarked septic tanks or sever buried lines. If <br /> firefighters cannot respond or are delayed because of <br /> these hazards, there is a greater chance that threatened <br /> structures will be lost. <br /> Vulnerability Summary. Florida has a year round fire <br /> season with the most active part taking place from April to July. <br /> The majority of wildfires in Florida (70-80 percent) are caused <br /> by humans with arson and escaped debris burning being the <br /> top two causes. The largest number of lightning-caused fires <br /> occurs in July. The drier months tend to be January, February <br /> and March but this is not always the case depending on <br /> drought conditions and frequency of frontal passages. Dry <br /> Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 36 <br />