CHARLESTON, S.C. — A new shift schedule known as the “1323" is being tested by the Charleston Fire Department to promote better work-life balance for firefighters.
Charleston firefighters typically work 24-hour shifts totaling 56 hours per week. Previously, they followed a 24/48 schedule. However, fire officials say that the system did not provide enough recovery time between shifts, WCSC reported.
The department began piloting the new 1323 schedule on May 10. Under this model, firefighters work one day on, three days off, then two days on, followed by another three days off.
“Most people work 40 hours a week,” Deputy Chief Forest Cockcroft said. “Because of the 24-hour cycles, we do work an extra 16 hours within a two-week period that most people don’t work. So we’re staying within that 56-hour work week with this schedule, it just allows us to group the days together more and provide a better rest cycle.”
Long shifts can impact firefighters’ mental and physical health, with studies linking 24/48 schedules to sleep disruption, weight gain and increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease.
Battalion Chief Ryan Hall, who helped implement the new schedule, said firefighters are noticing positive changes, particularly with increased family time.
“By having those extra days off, that’s going to make us better firefighters,” Hall said. “It is going to make us a better department, and when it comes to serving the public, you want the best of the best to show up, and that’s what you’re going to get with this type of schedule that these people are mentally and physically ready for it.”
Firefighter shift FAQs
A guide to the common firefighter shift schedules including 24/48, 48/96, Kelly, and 1-3-2-3 shifts, and how they impact work-life balance, overtime, and pay.
Most career departments use one of four patterns: 24/48, 48/96, 1-3-2-3 or 4-on/4-off. A Kelly day—a scheduled extra day off every seventh, eighth or ninth duty shift—is often added to a 24/48 rotation to keep average hours below Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) limits.
Firefighters work a single 24-hour shift, then have 48 hours off. Three platoons rotate through the cycle, and each firefighter averages 56 hours per week across a 24-day FLSA work period.
Firefighters serve two consecutive 24-hour shifts (48 hours) followed by four days (96 hours) off. The weekly average remains 56 hours, but commutes are cut in half, a feature popular with western U.S. departments.
A Kelly day is a paid day off inserted every 7–9 duty shifts—typically in a 24/48 rotation—to keep hours at or below 53 per week. This helps departments stay under the FLSA overtime trigger while controlling fatigue and payroll costs.
Personnel work four consecutive 12-hour shifts (days or nights) followed by four days off. While rare in municipal fire suppression, it is common in industrial brigades and support divisions where 24-hour staffing is not essential.
Firefighters work one 24-hour shift, take three days off, work two 24-hour shifts, then take three days off. The eight-day cycle averages 48 hours per week and gives crews frequent multiday breaks.
Many firefighters prefer the extended off-duty stretches built into the 48/96 and 1-3-2-3 patterns, but departments usually run fatigue and cost studies before switching schedules. The “best” balance depends on operational demands and individual preference.
Under 29 U.S.C. § 207(k), firefighters earn overtime after 212 hours in a 28-day work period (or the prorated equivalent). Kelly-day systems reduce overtime exposure, while condensed patterns such as 48/96 can increase overtime if call-backs occur during the long off periods.
Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.
