While firefighters are constantly inspecting and checking their equipment, each year the Minnetonka Fire Department also sets aside time for hose and ladder tests. It is a large-scale coordinated effort that can take a couple of days to complete.

"We bring all of our apparatus to Fire Station 1, roll out all of our hoses and inspect all of our ground ladders," explains Battalion Chief Mark Hillstrom. "Fire grounds can be littered with all sorts of hazards from rough terrain to debris."

The hoses are hooked up to a trailer and run through a series of water pressure tests that confirm their burst capability is correct, connections are tight and there are no other issues that could lead to leaks. At the same time, the department also puts its ground ladders through a series of stress tests to ensure they can withstand the flex and weight of a heavy load.

The department estimates it has around 40,000 feet of hose or enough to stretch from one end of the city to the other.  Once testing is completed and the equipment  passes inspection, firefighters load it back onto their apparatus and place each truck back in service,

"Part of the testing is to find those small flaws that can turn into big problems later," Hillstrom says.