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National Fire Plan Success Story

Lamplighter Project
Alachua County, Florida
Florida Division of Forestry
2008

Aerial photograph showing the fuel reduction zone around Lamplighter Estates and the location of the wildfire of May 10, 2008.
Fuel reduction zone around Lamplighter Estates and the location of the wildfire of May 10, 2008.

Lightly burned and burning area in Lamplighter Estates.
Light fire behavior observed in mowed area surrounding Lamplighter Estates.

On October 25 and 26, 2006, the Florida Division of Forestry (DOF) Region Two Fire Management Team conducted a 15-acre hazard reduction-mowing project on property joining the Lamplighter Estates off NE 39th Avenue/SR 24 in Alachua County. The Forest Area Supervisor had contacted the landowner to suggest this project. The forested area to be treated is between the trailer park and the Gainesville Regional Airport as well as being located next to a heavily traveled roadway.

This project involved mowing areas covered with heavy ladder and ground fuels made up primarily of vines. The project was conducted on the west, north and east perimeters of the trailer park property. This project protected 270 structures valued at $22,950,000 with a treatment cost of $5,394.75.

On Saturday, May 10, 2008, Alachua County Fire Rescue reported a wildfire at 22:48 at Lamplighter and a forest ranger was requested. When DOF crews arrived, the area of origin appeared to be on the east side of the trailer park. DOF plowed a line around the fire and reported it contained at 1:09.

In total, the fire burned one and a half acre. The fire was relatively easy to contain because the vegetative fuel load had been greatly reduced by the 2006 mowing job, resulting in light fire behavior with low flame lengths. Overall firefighters felt the previous mitigation work done on the property effectively protected the homes, even a year and a half later.

Contact: For more information on this project contact: Ludie Bond, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, Florida Division of Forestry (352) 955-6458.