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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 />