It may have been the heat, but the sweat on their brows was likely caused by nervousness as they waited for the test to begin.

Dan Seger, 25, was the first person to complete the grueling test. He is one of 23 applicants vying for a position with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department.

"It's the hardest one I've ever taken," he said, adding that he was not able to take the practice test but had completed similar tests before.

On Saturday, prospective firefighters completed the second phase of the department's hiring process -- the physical agility test. Before being hired by the department, firefighter applicants must complete a series of written, physical and psychological tests.

It's not often that the fire department conducts a hiring search but four firefighters are needed to fill positions soon to be vacated by retiring employees.

"Historically, fire departments have a low turnover," Fire Chief Robert Ridgeway said. "And our department is a veteran department."

Replacing four or five people is a big deal, he said, adding that there are only 56 firefighters in the department now with an average age of 43.

Of the more than 40 applicants that took a written exam last week, only 23 qualified for the physical agility test. Each applicant must earn a score of 70 percent or higher to pass the written test. The physical test is scored as pass or fail.

Every applicant, including three women, passed the agility test, fire officials said.

Ridgeway compared the agility test to an obstacle course for firefighters. Candidates must complete the six-course test in less than seven minutes. It includes simulated tasks like cutting a hole in a roof, carrying and extending a ladder, dragging a hose 200 feet in length and aiding a 125-pound fire victim.

Candidates must now complete an oral interview before a panel and then a one-on-one interview with the fire chief. Ridgeway hopes to hire at least three firefighters before December.

Candidates often develop a friendly rapport during the lengthy hiring process. The positions were advertised in June and applications accepted until mid-July.

"Nobody wants to see you flunk the test but they all want the job," said Blaine Murrell, who has been a volunteer firefighter for the East County District for four years.

During a practice run last week, he completed the test in 4 minutes but hoped to do better this week.

Although it wasn't the same as fighting a fire, the candidates completed the test in full gear, with the exception of boots. Most wore athletic shoes.

"It's not hard; it's demanding," Ridgeway said. "The key is to pace yourself."

The hiring process follows guidelines set by both state and national firefighter associations, he said.

"It doesn't stop because it's hot," Ridgeway said, adding that after the testing applicants are taken to a rehabilitation area to cool down. At 8 a.m. when the testing began, the temperature was already 85 degrees.