Asheville Fire Department advances forced-shift plan; promotions complete, shift balance underway

The Asheville Fire Department told the Public Safety Committee on Sept. 25 that key promotions tied to the department—s planned move to a four-shift schedule have been completed and staff are actively balancing personnel to prepare for implementation.

Chief Mike Case said council approved funding last July for overhead promotions needed to enable the forced-shift model; the department listed those promotions as one division chief, three battalion chiefs, 13 captain-twos, three lieutenants and four engineers. Case said those promotions are either completed or in final processing.

Staff described a four-step implementation plan: (1) promote the overhead structure (completed), (2) balance the shifts by redistributing officers, drivers and firefighters across four shifts (in progress), (3) publish individual schedules so employees can plan (targeted by Nov. 1), and (4) implement the four-shift model in full in 2026.

Case said the initial effect of the four-shift implementation will reduce average weekly hours from 56 to about 52.6; the department—s longer-term goal is to move toward a lower weekly hour standard (discussed as an eventual goal near 42 hours per week). He added that reducing scheduled hours while keeping annual pay stable raises base hourly compensation for employees and can reduce overtime pressure.

Council members asked about the timeline and how the shift-balancing effort is proceeding; staff said senior personnel were actively at work mapping schedules and that the department will communicate personal schedules to employees in the weeks ahead. The meeting record contains no new council vote on additional funding during the update.

Ending: Committee members expressed support and requested continued updates as balancing and implementation proceed.