Firefighter shifts are a critical component of the emergency response infrastructure, ensuring that firefighter crews are available around the clock to respond to emergencies.

These shifts can vary greatly, ranging from the traditional 24-hour shifts to the more extended 48/96 schedules.

These shifts affect not only the firefighters’ work performance but also their personal life and well-being.

Departments often employ rotation systems, such as the California swing shift, to manage the demanding hours while trying to maintain a work-life balance for their teams.

In this article, we will explore the various types of firefighter shifts, how they are structured, and the impact they have on the lives of these essential service providers.

What Are Firefighter Shifts?

Firefighter shifts refer to the specific patterns of work hours that fire department personnel adhere to. These shifts are structured to ensure seamless 24/7 emergency coverage and to manage the intense demands of firefighting.

Firefighters typically work full-time hours, but unlike standard office jobs, their hours are clustered in extended shifts. These can range from 24 hours straight, with some departments even implementing 48-hour shifts, albeit with longer recovery periods.

Watches are periods during a shift when firefighters are on high alert. They must remain prepared to respond to emergencies at any moment.

Watches are integral to the cohesion and readiness of a fire unit throughout their shift.

Firefighters can expect to work an average of 10 of these 24-hour shifts per month, depending on the department's specific rotation.

Shift schedules are strategically designed so firefighters can fulfill the extensive duties of their role, including emergency response, training, and equipment maintenance.

Further Reading: What is Shift Work

How Do Firefighter Work Shifts Work?

Firefighter work shifts are structured to ensure continuous coverage due to the demanding and unpredictable nature of firefighting.

In the United States, firefighters typically follow a 24-hour shift pattern.

They may work a 24-hour shift, have 24 hours off, work another 24-hour shift, have 24 hours off, work a third 24-hour shift, followed by four days off.

Currently, two common shift systems are:

24/48 system: firefighters work a 24-hour shift followed by 48 hours off.
48/96 system: firefighters work two consecutive 24-hour shifts followed by 96 hours off.

This scheduling results in firefighters averaging around 9-10 days of work per month, with variances based on department policy and city regulations.

In the United Kingdom, the system can be different.

Firefighters may be on a "wholetime" duty system, which could include day shifts (such as 9 hours) and night shifts (such as 15 hours), or on a retained (on-call) basis where they perform other jobs until summoned.

Benefits of these schedules include extended rest periods, which are crucial for recovery after the physically and mentally demanding work firefighters perform.

Additionally, 24-hour shifts can enhance team cohesion and provide comprehensive time blocks for training and maintenance activities without daily turnovers.

5 Examples of Firefighter Shift Patterns

24-Hour Shifts
Firefighters often work extended shifts for 24 hours, followed by 48 hours off. This equates to an average work week fluctuating between 48-52 hours over an 8-day period.
Kelly Schedule
A prominent shift pattern that includes a nine-day rotation with three 24-hour shifts. Each shift is separated by 24 hours of rest, concluding with four consecutive days off. This schedule averages 9-10 working days in a month.
48/96 Schedule
Some departments adopt a system where firefighters work two consecutive 24-hour shifts, totaling 48 hours, followed by 96 hours off. This pattern balances work hours and recovery time effectively.
Standard Day/Night
Certain fire services follow a more regular pattern of two 12-hour day shifts from 08:00 to 18:00, then two 12-hour night shifts, with a subsequent four days off.
Rotating A, B, C Shifts
This system divides the workforce into three groups (A, B, C), rotating through 24-hour work periods, ensuring one group is always on duty. Each group typically experiences 10 of these shifts per month.

Each pattern requires firefighters to be ready to respond to emergencies at any time during their shifts, safeguarding community safety with their dedication and resilience.

Pros and Cons of Working Firefighter Hours

Firefighter shifts are often long and irregular compared to many other professions, typically lasting 24-hour periods and sometimes extending to 48-hour shifts.

The 48/96 shift pattern—working for 48 hours followed by 96 hours off—is a common schedule for many fire departments.

Pros:

Extended Rest Periods: Firefighters on 48/96 shifts get a substantial block of time off, allowing for ample rest.
Consolidated Work Week: Longer shifts can mean fewer commutes and a more condensed work week.
Camaraderie: The nature of shifts can foster a strong sense of team unity and camaraderie, as firefighters spend significant time together.

Cons:

Risk of Fatigue: Extended shifts can lead to fatigue, which may affect performance and safety.
Disruption to Personal Life: Long hours at work can disrupt family life and personal commitments.
Physical Strain: The demands of the job, coupled with irregular hours, can take a toll on a firefighter's physical health.

They must be able to effectively manage stress and maintain a high level of alertness on the job, irrespective of their hours. Firefighter hours can be a source of both benefits and challenges that those considering a career in firefighting must weigh carefully.

5 Tips to Help Our Staff Adopt to Firefighter Schedules

1. Educate on Patterns

Firefighters should be thoroughly informed about the different shift patterns— commonly 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off, or the Kelly Schedule, which involves working three 24-hour shifts with intervening 24-hour breaks and a four-day rest period.

In the UK, shifts might include two day shifts followed by two night shifts and then a rest period of four days off.

Understanding these patterns helps firefighters mentally and physically prepare for their duties.

2. Embrace Consistency

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule even during off days can make switching to firefighter work shifts easier.

Firefighters benefit from staying on a regular sleeping pattern to mitigate the disruption of the circadian rhythm.

3. Prioritize Health and Wellness

Staying physically fit and mentally healthy is crucial, given the demands of the job.

Firefighters should have access to wellness resources and be encouraged to incorporate fitness into their daily routines.

4. Offer Support Systems

Peer support and family understanding are vital in adapting to irregular schedules.

Departments can facilitate support groups or partner with family support organizations to help bridge the gap between work and personal life.

5. Implement Efficient Time Management

Efficient use of time on shift leads to less stress and better performance.

Departments should ensure that administrative duties are streamlined and that firefighters have clear, manageable tasks.

Further Reading: 16 hour Shift

FAQs

How Long Are Firefighter Shifts in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, firefighter shifts typically last 9 to 12 hours for day shifts. Meanwhile, night shifts can extend to 15 hours. However, variations exist, and some firefighters may work in patterns that include 24-hour shifts.

What Time Do Firefighter Shifts Start?

Firefighter shifts often start at 07:00 or 08:00 for day shifts and around 18:00 for night shifts. Specific start times can vary by station or department requirements, and firefighters are expected to be ready and equipped for duty at the beginning of their shift.

What Are Firefighter Shifts Like, What Do Firefighters Do All Day?

Firefighter shifts involve a range of activities including emergency response, training exercises, equipment maintenance, and public education initiatives. Firefighters remain on call throughout their shift, ready to respond to emergencies at a moment's notice.

Their day might include:

Inspections: Safety checks and maintenance of equipment.
Drills: Constant training to be prepared for various scenarios.
Community Service: Engaging in public safety education.

Do Firefighters Sleep on Shift?

During 24-hour shifts, firefighters may have the opportunity to sleep if there are no emergencies requiring their attention. They remain on call, so any rest is contingent on the need for their services.

What’s a “Kelly Day”?

A "Kelly Day" is a mandatory day off given to firefighters to reduce overtime hours and manage accumulated work hours.

It is a traditional part of many firefighter schedules in the United States, offering a break from what can be an exhaustive working schedule.

Firefighter Shifts in the UK: How They Work, Shift Schedules, Pros & Cons