GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Winston-Salem Fire Department said some of its firefighters are working 72-hour shifts to make up for vacant positions.
Winston-Salem fire is down about two dozen firefighters.
Greensboro fire is down eight. But that's still better than where they were a couple of years ago when they needed 34 firefighters.
Numbers like that can have a significant impact on a department.
Greensboro Fire Chief Jim Robinson said his department typically loses an average of 18 firefighters a year.
That's with retirements, resignations, or moving to different parts of the country.
Classes are normally held with 24 recruits enrolled per year.
But two years ago, the number of vacancies was at 34, causing mandatory overtime.
While services were still rendered as normal, the lack of adequate help weighed heavy on firefighters.
"It was a stressor on our employees. I mean, it really was. And, you know, we had to actually set up rules on overwork," Chief Robinson continued, "you have to go home after 96 hours."
The Greensboro fire department bounced back.
City council approved more funding, according to Chief Robinson, and a lateral entry class was held in order to bring in applicants from other areas.
Winston-Salem Fire is trying to hire more firefighters right now.
We talked with Fire Chief Trey Mayo on Monday.
He said with some firefighters working 72 hours in a row, the opportunity for error goes up as the fatigue factor weighs in.
That's why it's important to hire firefighters to fill those positions.
He explained, "so that use of overtime staffing all the time is, you know, it takes away from crew continuity. It kind of cuts into the teamwork, if you will."
The Winston-Salem Fire Department did get the go-ahead Monday night to ask the federal government to cover pay for 18 new firefighters, which should help alleviate some of that weight.
We also reached out to the Gibsonville Fire Department.
They said they are fully staffed for what they are budgeted for and have been for years.
The fire chief said the department works hard to keep its firefighters on staff, with little to no turnover.