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vulnerabilities relative to these hazards. This variation in <br />relative levels of vulnerability is again primarily due to <br />construction practices and community characteristics. Due to <br />more time spent outdoors, residential and retirement <br />communities have a historically higher vulnerability in terms of <br />lightning fatalities. <br />At the time of publication, a risk assessment model for severe <br />thunderstorms was not available. The County can expect <br />losses similar to what it experienced in the past, which is about <br />an average of $17,500 per year in property damage. The most <br />vulnerable areas in Indian River County would be open areas <br />such as the shoreline, golf courses, open fields (i.e., Vero <br />Beach Regional Airport, Indian River Fairgrounds, sports <br />arenas, etc.) This vulnerability is increased because these <br />areas are where large populations congregate. There could <br />also be a significant loss of life as well as economic impacts to <br />transportation systems, tourism, etc. <br />e. Wildfire — Hazard Identification <br />Wildfire is defined by the Florida Forest Service (FFS) as any <br />fire that does not meet management objectives or is out of <br />control. Wildfires occur in Florida every year and are part of the <br />natural cycle of Florida's fire -adapted ecosystems. Many of <br />these fires are quickly suppressed before they can damage or <br />destroy property, homes and lives. <br />There are four types of wildfires: <br />• Surface Fires: Burn along the forest floor consuming <br />the litter layer and small branches on or near the <br />ground. <br />• Ground Fires/Muck Fires: Smolder or creep slowly <br />underground. These fires usually occur during periods <br />of prolonged drought and may burn for weeks or <br />months until sufficient rainfall extinguishes the fire, or <br />it runs out of fuel. <br />• Crown Fires: Spread rapidly by the wind, moving <br />through the tops of the trees. <br />• Wildland/Urban Interface Fires: Fires occurring within <br />the WUI in areas where structures and other human <br />developments meet or intermingle with wildlands or <br />vegetative fuels. Homes and other flammable structures <br />can become fuel for WUI fires. <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 35 <br />