Fruitland Fire District Adopts New 48/96 Schedule

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) – The Fruitland Fire Protection District has implemented a new 48/96 schedule for its full-time personnel, effective June 1, 2025. This schedule change is expected to benefit both firefighters and the community they serve.

Under the new schedule, firefighters will work 48 consecutive hours, followed by 96 hours off duty. This cycle will repeat continuously. Previously, firefighters worked 24 hours on duty, followed by 24 hours off, with alternating four- and six-day breaks.

The new schedule offers several benefits, including:

Improved Operations: Fewer shift changes will result in better communication between crews, reduced errors during handoffs, and increased consistency in emergency response, station projects, and training.
Enhanced Performance: With four days off, firefighters can recover from the physical and mental demands of the job, leading to sharper focus, better decision-making, and reduced risk of burnout or fatigue-related mistakes.
Better Work-Life Balance: The 96-hour break allows personnel to spend quality time with family, attend to personal needs, and recharge. Reduced commuting also leads to higher morale and better service for the community.
Improved Training and Recruitment: With crews together for two consecutive days, they can engage in deeper training and community projects without interruption. This schedule also appeals to qualified firefighters from farther away, who may have been deterred by the previous schedule.

The Fruitland Fire District believes this new schedule will enable them to respond more effectively to emergencies, maintain a healthier and more focused team, and make better use of department time and resources.