Fire departments across the country are facing critical shortages and rising costs as fire truck manufacturing becomes increasingly dominated by a few major companies. Delays in production, soaring prices, and aging fleets have left firefighters struggling to respond effectively to emergencies.
A Growing Crisis in Los Angeles
When wildfires broke out in Pacific Palisades last month, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) urgently called for all available personnel to report for duty. However, dozens of fire engines and ladder trucks that could have transported crews were out of service, stuck in maintenance yards due to their aging condition.
Chuong Ho, a firefighter and union leader, reported that many willing firefighters were unable to deploy simply because there weren’t enough working vehicles. A key issue behind this shortage was the city’s inability to hire enough mechanics, compounded by the skyrocketing costs and delays in acquiring new fire trucks.
The Corporate Takeover of Fire Truck Manufacturing
Historically, fire truck manufacturing was driven by small, local companies producing customized vehicles. But in the late 1990s and early 2000s, struggling manufacturers became targets for Wall Street investors. Private equity firms consolidated the industry, prioritizing profit over production efficiency.
One major player, American Industrial Partners, bought up several small manufacturers and formed the Rev Group in 2006. The company, which later went public, aimed to increase profit margins by cutting costs and streamlining operations. Today, Rev Group, along with Oshkosh Corporation and Rosenbauer, controls about 70 to 80 percent of the market, significantly reducing competition.
Higher Prices, Longer Wait Times
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, fire departments typically waited 12 to 18 months for new trucks. Today, wait times have stretched to two to three years, with some departments forced to scour the internet for spare parts to keep their aging fleets running.
Rev Group’s backlog of orders has ballooned from $1 billion to $4 billion, and while the company has seen profit margins climb to 8.9 percent, fire departments across the country are struggling with outdated, unreliable vehicles. In some cases, fire trucks have broken down mid-emergency, putting lives at risk.
Nationwide Impact
The crisis extends beyond Los Angeles. In cities like Atlanta and Seattle, delayed deliveries and mechanical failures have hindered emergency response efforts. In Watertown, N.Y., a $1.2 million ladder truck ordered in 2021 has yet to arrive, forcing the city to rely on a two-decade-old backup vehicle.
Chicago firefighters recently marked the 30th birthday of an engine meant to last only 15 years, while Camden, N.J., has resorted to purchasing used equipment just to stay operational. Some fire chiefs, like Benton, Ark.’s Gil Carpenter, report waiting 10 months for simple replacement parts.
The Push for Standardization
One challenge in fire truck manufacturing is the high level of customization. Unlike the automobile industry, where standardized designs allow for mass production, fire departments typically require unique specifications based on their city’s terrain and population.
Rev Group has introduced a standardized truck model that could reduce wait times if widely adopted. However, critics argue that reduced customization may not fully meet the needs of different fire departments.
Calls for Change
As the crisis deepens, firefighters and city officials are demanding solutions. The LAFD, which has struggled to maintain a 90 percent fleet readiness rate but has averaged only 78 percent in recent years, has requested $100 million for vehicle replacements. Additionally, city leaders are calling for better procurement processes and increased oversight of manufacturing delays.
Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, argues that industry monopolization is the root cause of rising costs and slow production. “Without competition, it’s a shakedown,” he said.
For now, fire departments across the country continue to grapple with outdated vehicles, higher costs, and delays that could have life-threatening consequences. As Chief Carpenter bluntly put it, “When is enough enough? And at what point are you going to sacrifice public safety for profits?”