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limited and the concentration of fuel to feed fires causes more <br />intense fire behavior. Fire suppression becomes more difficult <br />and costly. (Fellsmere, Florida Ridge, Gifford, Olso, Roseland, <br />Vero Beach South, Vero Lake Estates, Wabasso, and Winter <br />Beach) <br />High Wildfire Hazard -Dense, highly flammable vegetation <br />surrounds the neighborhood and is within a few feet of homes. <br />A thick layer of vegetation is present on the forest floor. Access <br />to the neighborhood is limited to one entrance and/or on poorly <br />maintained roads. Homes are rarely built with fire-resistant <br />materials. Continuous, overgrown vegetation limits access and <br />creates intense wildfire conditions. Fire suppression is <br />challenging and requires more resources (engines, dozers, <br />and aircraft) and firefighters than normal. (Sebastian) <br />Hazard Rating Factors — Although there are many factors that <br />affect the survivability of homes during wildfires, the following <br />have been shown to be important in Florida. <br />Access —Roadway and shoulder widths, road <br />maintenance standards, turnarounds and road surface <br />materials affect how quickly emergency crews can respond, <br />as well as how quickly and safely residents can evacuate. <br />Vegetation —Wildland vegetation (fuel) in Florida is <br />highly variable both in amount and type and burns <br />differently at different times of the year. Generally <br />speaking, native vegetation is more likely to burn during the <br />winter months when grasses and weeds have been killed <br />by frosts and freezing temperatures. In addition, many <br />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 />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 39 <br />