The work schedule for a professional firefighter is unlike the traditional five-day, 40-hour workweek. Fire departments operate on a system designed to maintain continuous, 24/7 coverage for the community. This necessity dictates a non-traditional scheduling model that revolves around extended, consecutive hours on duty. This structure ensures immediate readiness for any emergency, from medical calls to structure fires, while also providing time for training and equipment maintenance.
The Foundation: Understanding the 24/48 Shift
The most prevalent work pattern in the fire service is the 24/48 shift: 24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off. This model utilizes a three-platoon system (A, B, and C shifts) that rotates to ensure the station is always fully staffed. This three-day cycle repeats, providing predictability for the department and personnel.
During the 24-hour shift, the day includes activities beyond emergency response, which accounts for a small percentage of the total time. Firefighters conduct mandatory training drills, perform routine maintenance on vehicles and specialized equipment, and complete station upkeep, such as cleaning and cooking. Personnel are provided with rest areas but remain on-call for the entire 24 hours, meaning sleep is often interrupted by emergency dispatch.
The long shift duration is operationally efficient because it requires only one shift change per day, simplifying administrative and logistical processes. This structure allows crews to complete complex, multi-hour tasks, like detailed equipment checks or extensive training scenarios, without interruption.
Calculating Total Annual Hours Worked
The extended nature of the shifts results in an annual commitment significantly higher than a conventional job. A typical 40-hour workweek results in 2,080 hours worked per year. In contrast, a firefighter on a standard 24/48 schedule averages approximately 56 hours per week, translating to a total scheduled commitment of around 2,912 hours annually.
Total hours can vary, often falling between 2,750 and 2,900 hours, due to specific departmental adjustments. For example, federal fire agencies calculate an average work year of 2,756 hours for pay purposes.
The high number of scheduled hours is a consequence of maintaining 24/7 coverage, which requires three separate crews to rotate shifts across 168 hours each week. This means a firefighter works roughly 832 to 880 more hours per year than someone in a traditional 40-hour position. This calculation represents only the base scheduled hours and does not account for additional time accrued through mandatory overtime or voluntary extra shifts.
Variations in Firefighter Scheduling
While the 24/48 model is common, scheduling practices vary widely based on the department’s size, call volume, and location. Other rotational schedules are implemented to manage fatigue or comply with specific labor agreements.
10/14 Shifts
Some departments utilize a 10/14 shift pattern. This structure typically involves two 10-hour day shifts (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), immediately followed by two 14-hour night shifts (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). These four shifts are followed by an extended break of four days off, completing an eight-day cycle. This schedule averages approximately 42 hours per week, which is lower than the 24/48 model. However, it requires two shift changes every 24 hours, which can introduce administrative complexity.
Rotating Shifts
Other common rotations include the 48/96 schedule, which involves working two consecutive 24-hour shifts (48 hours on duty), followed by 96 hours (four days) off. This model is gaining popularity because it significantly reduces the number of commutes and provides a substantial block of time off. Departments also use “Kelly Days,” which are scheduled relief days built into the rotation. These days adjust the total annual hours down for payroll purposes, even though the actual time spent at the station remains elevated.
Federal vs. Municipal Departments
Firefighters employed by federal agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service or military installations, often operate on a distinct schedule, especially in wildland firefighting roles. Wildland firefighters are frequently deployed on extended assignments, known as “rolls,” which can last 14 to 21 days straight. During these deployments, personnel may work 16-hour days and live in remote backcountry camps, with their schedule dictated by the demands of the active fire incident. When not actively deployed, these federal employees typically revert to a traditional 40-hour administrative workweek for station duties, training, and maintenance.
Mandatory Overtime and Emergency Call-Ins
The scheduled hours represent only the minimum expectation, as the unpredictable nature of the work frequently necessitates additional, unscheduled time on the job. Mandatory overtime, or “forced shifts,” is common due to staffing shortages, sick calls, or the need to hold over a shift until a replacement arrives. Departments often maintain a Mandatory Overtime List (MOT) to systematically assign these extra hours when voluntary options are exhausted.
Mandatory training and large-scale emergencies, such as natural disasters, also contribute significantly to the total hours worked outside of the normal rotation. The need to maintain minimum staffing levels for safety and operational readiness is the primary driver for mandating these extra hours.
Voluntary overtime is readily available and often used to supplement income. However, mandatory holdovers are unpredictable and can inflate annual hours beyond 3,000. These forced shifts prevent a firefighter from leaving the station at the end of their scheduled 24 hours, cutting into their planned time off with little notice.
The Impact of Long Shifts on Daily Life
The non-traditional schedule creates a unique set of challenges and benefits for a firefighter’s daily life and work-life balance. The primary advantage is the extended blocks of time off (48 or 96 hours), which allows for substantial personal time away from the station. This structure provides an opportunity for family engagement, hobbies, or the pursuit of a second job, a common practice among personnel.
The extended shifts place stress on the body’s circadian rhythm and sleep schedule. Working 24 hours straight, often with multiple interruptions for emergency calls, leads to chronic fatigue and sleep deprivation. Personnel must manage the constant shift between being on-call at the station and attempting to maintain a normal sleep pattern during their days off.
The schedule also dictates how a firefighter manages social and family life. While the extended days off are valuable, on-duty days require personnel to miss mid-week family events, holidays, and birthdays that fall on their shift. This pattern requires planning and understanding from family members to accommodate the cyclical nature of the job.