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This question is about fire fighter.
How long do firefighters work?
Firefighters typically work long shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays. Firefighters do not work a typical eight-hour day. While shifts may vary based on jurisdiction, the most common shifts for firefighters are 24 hours followed by 48 hours off or ten to 12-hour shifts for three to four days in a row.
In most cases, firefighters work 24 hours on and 48 hours off schedule. This schedule requires firefighters to remain in the fire station for a 24-hour period and respond to file calls at any time during this period. This shift is followed by 48 hours off, after which another 24-hour shift is typically scheduled.
Typically, this shift schedule results in firefighters working more than 50 hours per week. On average, a firefighter will work ten of these 24-hour shifts each month. An additional day off may need to be added each month in order to stay in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act requirements.
While not as common, some agencies will work on shift cycles. These shifts typically require firefighters to work three to four days in a row.
Daytime shifts are typically between eight and 12 hours per day, while the night shift is anywhere from 12 to 14 hours per shift. After the three to four days on the schedule, they will receive three to four consecutive days off.
Regardless of the type of shift worked, firefighters can expect to be scheduled for nights, weekends, and holidays every year.
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