How many hours per year do firefighters work on a 24/72 schedule?

A typical 24/72 firefighter schedule averages about 42 hours per week. Over a 364-day year this equals approximately 2,184 scheduled hours before accounting for debit days, Kelly days, or other staffing adjustments.

Why do some departments use debit days with a 24/72 schedule?

Some departments add debit days to increase the total hours worked each year so the schedule aligns with contractual or FLSA requirements. Debit days are additional shifts assigned periodically throughout the year.

Is a 24/72 schedule better than a 24/48 schedule?

Many firefighters prefer a 24/72 schedule because it provides more recovery time between shifts and reduces annual work hours. Departments must evaluate staffing levels, overtime costs, and operational coverage when considering schedule changes.

24/72 Firefighter Shift Schedule Calendar Generator

Q: How does a 24/72 firefighter schedule work?

A 24/72 firefighter schedule means firefighters work a 24-hour shift followed by 72 hours off duty. This creates a four-platoon rotation where one platoon is on duty each day while the other three are off.

This 24/72 firefighter shift calendar generator allows fire departments to visualize 24/72 schedules along with Kelly days and debit days. The calendar can also display other common firefighter shift patterns such as 24/48, 48/96, California Swing, Portland Schedule, and custom schedules.

Calendar Inputs

Schedule Pattern

Platoon

Anchor Date This selected platoon is treated as on duty on the anchor date.

Month

Month View Details

Kelly/Debit Year

Kelly Days Per Year

First Kelly Day

Debit Days Per Year

First Regular Shift Used for Debit Pattern

Show Kelly Days

Show Debit Days

Schedule Calendar

On Duty

Kelly Day

Debit Day

Off Duty

Today

Year Summary

Regular / Total Worked Days Shown

Kelly Days Shown

Debit Days Shown

Total Off-Duty Days Shown

Yearly Scheduled Hours

Base rotation days apply to the selected shift pattern. Kelly and debit days shown here are a sample assignment pattern for one section/member within that shift and may not match every person on the platoon.

Important: This is a sample individual/section calendar based on the selected platoon and schedule. For schedules with Kelly days or debit days, those days are typically staggered among personnel, so the pattern shown here is an example and not the exact calendar for every member of that shift.

What Is a 24/72 Firefighter Schedule?

A 24/72 firefighter schedule is a shift pattern where firefighters work a 24-hour shift followed by 72 hours off duty. This creates a four-platoon rotation where one platoon is on duty each day while the other three are off. The 24/72 schedule is becoming increasingly popular in fire departments because it reduces annual work hours compared to a traditional 24/48 schedule and can improve recovery time between shifts.

Many departments using a 24/72 schedule also incorporate debit days or other staffing adjustments to balance annual work hours and meet FLSA requirements. This calendar tool allows departments to visualize 24/72 rotations along with Kelly days, debit days, Portland Schedule rotations, and other common firefighter shift patterns.

How a 24/72 Firefighter Shift Rotation Works

In a 24/72 firefighter shift rotation, four platoons rotate through a repeating cycle where each group works a 24-hour shift followed by three full days off. Because one platoon is always on duty, the department maintains continuous coverage while giving firefighters extended time off between shifts.

A typical 24/72 rotation spreads work hours more evenly across the year compared with traditional firefighter schedules. Many departments evaluate this shift pattern when looking to reduce overtime, improve recovery time between shifts, and maintain consistent staffing levels.

This firefighter shift calendar allows departments to visualize a full 24/72 rotation over a month or entire year. It can also show Kelly days, debit days, and other common firefighter shift schedules such as 24/48, 48/96, California Swing, Portland Schedule, and custom patterns.

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24/72 Firefighter Shift Schedule Calculator

24/72 Firefighter Shift Schedule Calendar Generator