When do firefighters get a break?

The simple answer is that Firefighters get a break when they're not training, cleaning and maintaining the fire station, cleaning and maintaining the fire truck, studying, cooking, inspecting businesses, schools and houses, providing fire safety training, engaging in fire prevention activities, giving tours of the fire station, oh, and responding to fires, accidents, medical emergencies, hazmat calls, rescues, assistance calls, alarm bells, and every other possible situation you can imagine.

Firefighters can go an entire shift without a break, and shifts can range anywhere from 8-72 hours! Yes, there are 'slow' days where there is spare time around the fire station, and most firefighters use this time to workout, read, watch some tv, and try to relax a bit before the next call comes in. Firefighters are expected to be rested and prepared ALL THE TIME when on duty, so spare time is a valuable commodity.