How Long Are Firefighter Shifts?

Many dream of serving their community by becoming a firefighter. However, the shift pattern for this career is not for everybody. This job is demanding, and the hours are not your typical 9-5. In this blog post, you will learn about shift patterns and how long firefighter shifts are.

How Many Hours Do Firefighters Work?

Firefighters usually work more hours than many other jobs. On average, most firefighters work between 48 to 56 hours per week. However, the total amount of hours can vary depending on location, fire department policies, and demand.

Do Firefighters Work On Weekends And Holidays?

Yes, firefighters work on weekends and holidays, because fires can happen at any time! Fire departments operate 24/7, 365 days a year, and firefighters must respond to every call.

Winter holidays are a particularly challenging time because the risk of fires increases because of:

• christmas tree fires, or fires causes by other decorations
• cooking fires
• more extensive use of heating appliances

Depending on location, fire departments are also busier during the summer because of the increased risk of wildfires.

What Is A Typical Firefighter Shift Pattern?

The most common shift pattern is a 24-hour on period followed by 48 hours off. For example, a firefighter comes in at 7AM and remains on duty until 7AM the next day. During these shifts, they live at the fire station to respond to emergencies immediately. They sleep at the station unless an emergency happens.

Another common shift pattern is the 48/96 schedule. In this pattern, firefighters work for 48 hours straight, followed by four days off. Some departments prefer this pattern because it allows for longer rest periods. This can lead to better recovery and work-life balance.

Regardless of shift pattern, firefighters spend a lot of time at the fire station or responding to emergencies. This is a demanding job, requiring high levels of fitness and mental preparedness.