Protecting a home from forest fires will be the topic of discussion at an event planned for Saturday at the Crosby Arboretum.

The workshop is called “How to have a Firewise Home,” and will provide tips to homeowners, real estate agents, firefighters and loggers on the essentials to reduce fuel loads around residential structures.

The event will last about two and a half hours and will begin at 9 a.m., Leslie Blackwell with the Mississippi Forestry Commission said.

Blackwell said that from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 Pearl River County was the hottest county in the state. According to figures from their office, during that time the Mississippi Forestry Commission responded to 127 fires in Pearl River County, more than any other county in the state. Blackwell said those statistics do not include fires worked by local volunteer agencies.

“If we (included) those, the numbers would be sky high,” Blackwell said.

By learning how to reduce the fuel load around a home property owners can protect their investment.

Blackwell said the course provides continuing education credits for real estate agents, foresters, loggers and firefighters.

The event is free, but registration is required and must be complete by Wednesday, April 15. To register call the Arboretum at 601-799-2311.

Participants in the class will learn about why homes burn, wild land fuel reduction methods and how to determine a home’s risk of burning.

“We’re trying to provide information to homeowners on how to reduce fuel, which reduces wild land fire behavior,” Blackwell said.