FIRE TEAM USA will hold a community fire protection seminar for fire, building, and government officials on Feb. 23-24 at the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland.

Although the current seminar is full, the public is invited to observe a fire sprinkler demonstration involving a live fire at 4 p.m. Feb. 23 in Peter Kirk Park, 202 Third St. The demonstration is intended to show the life-saving properties of fire sprinklers and will involve the burning of two side-by-side structures, one equipped with fire sprinklers and one without.

Fire marshals, fire chiefs, elected officials, building officials and other stakeholders from communities across Washington will be attending the seminar to learn and share fire prevention methods and alternatives that affect the quality of life in their own communities.

Kirkland Councilmember Amy Walen has volunteered to participate in the fire/sprinkler demonstration as a “firefighter on the hose line” in order to experience the full impact of the heat and smoke of a live fire. She is currently being trained in the use of SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and will be fully outfitted in firefighting safety gear during the demonstration.

FIRE TEAM USA is funded by a grant administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants program. FIRE TEAM USA is available to bring the seminar to other communities. For more information,visit http://fireteamusa.com/.