HFRS Shift Patterns
Wholetime Firefighters
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service operates a 42 hour week four shift system on its wholetime fire stations and in the brigade control room. The system operates on a 4 days on / 4 days off routine creating an 8 day cycle, thus ensuring that personnel progressively work on different days of the week.
There are four different 'coloured' watches that operate this four shift system, they are red, white, blue and green. The use of these systems ensures fire cover within any given region 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
| Wholetime | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 0900 - 1800 | Red | Red | White | White | Blue | Blue | Green | Green |
| 1800 - 0900 | Green | Green | Red | Red | White | White | Blue | Blue |
Retained Firefighters
Most retained Firefighters have full-time occupations outside of the Fire and Rescue Service and with agreement from their employers, they can be released from their normal occupation to fight fires as and when required. As such they have have agreed to commit themselves when required. This commitment includes:
- A requirement to attend a weekly drill period.
- A requirement to attend weekend training courses as and when necessary.
- A commitment to respond to emergency calls.
Support Staff
In addition to its firefighters and officers the Service has many staff who perform valuable support functions for the brigade. Normal office hours apply to these staff. They usually work between 0900 and 1700 five days a week.