State and county agencies will host a free workshop  on Thursday to help Clay County residents protect their homes and property from wildfires.

 “How to Have a Firewise Home” will be sponsored by the Florida Division of Forestry, the Clay County Department of Public Safety and Clay County Fire Rescue.

Clay County annually averages about 60 wildfires, burning nearly 500 acres and frequently occurring near rural homes and communities, according to the Forestry Division. The workshop will detail simple steps homeowners can take to protect themselves and introduce free programs available to assist them.

Also, Clay County Fire Chief Frank Ennist and Division of Forestry District Manager Bruce Hill will detail the Community Wildfire Protection Plan project underway for Penney Farms, Pier Station and the Thunder Road area of Middleburg, neighborhoods that have been threatened by numerous wildfires.

The workshop will be at 6:30 p.m. Barrows Hall, Wilbanks Avenue and Morton Street, Penney Farms.