The Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue department is moving to a schedule that will see firefighters working 24-hour shifts.
They are one of the few remaining departments in the Lower Mainland to adopt round-the-clock shifts, which have been popular in the U.S. for decades. But that doesn't mean it's not going to be a significant adjustment for the emergency responders.
"It is a big change," said fire chief Dave Samson. "The focus is on the health and safety of firefighters, and their recovery after a shift."
The change came on May 12, and the city has agreed to a three-year pilot project, that will study performance metrics, explained Samson.
Under the new system firefighters will work a 24-hour shift, have 48 hours off, work another 24 hours, and then have four days off. Then the rotation will begin again. So it's an eight-day rotation, and is the equivalent of a 42-hour work week.
Samson noted there will be periods during a 24-hour shift where firefighters can rest at their fire halls, but they will be available to respond to emergency calls, and maintain a state of readiness.
"You have to be ready to be called into action at any time," he said.
There were challenges with the previous schedule, which demanded quicker turnaround time from firefighters working nights, but who might find it difficult to get sleep during the daytime.
The new schedule offers longer breaks between shifts at a demanding job, the chief explained.
"I'm hopeful the health and wellness side is going to be positive," said Samson.
The 24-hour shifts were adopted early by departments in Eastern Canada, and during the COVID-19 pandemic Vancouver adopted the new schedule to have less interaction between crews.
The working committee of management and union representatives has laid the groundwork for the change.
"In Metro Vancouver, we will be one of the last fire departments to switch over," said Samson, noting many departments are conducting trials or pilot programs.
Pitt Meadows went to 24-hour shifts beginning in January.
