The Clanton Fire Department put three prospective firefighters through the toughest part of the application process Tuesday.

Nic Bolton, Zach Burke and Brian Dennis all went through CFD’s physical agility test to try and earn a spot on the staff.

The agility test is the third part of the hiring process for CFD. It follows a medical physical and a drug test.

“We do it whenever we do a new hire,” said Chief David Driver. “It simulates some things they would have to do in a fire.”

The test involves a walk to get blood flow stimulated, stacking two hoses on a fire truck, dragging a hose and spraying it, stacking a ladder, pulling another hose up a set of stairs, dragging a 120-pound dummy, and then a walk around the block near the fire station, all to be done in 10 minutes or less, all while wearing a fire suit and air pack that weighs a combined 75-100 pounds.

Despite the toughness of the test, Chief Driver said everyone who has taken it has passed.

“We’ve never had a failure,” he said.  “[The applicants] get two chances, in case they roll their ankle or something like that.”

The average time to finish the test is usually around 7 1/2 to 8 minutes. If the applicants pass, and their paperwork is approved, Driver plans to have them start March 1.