Cities sound the alarm over mounting fire truck prices, delays, and industry consolidation

Lawmakers will hear directly from fire chiefs in an informational hearing on June 22

By Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor, and Damon Conklin, legislative advocate

More cities are filing lawsuits and speaking out about a fire apparatus manufacturing crisis that is threatening the nation’s emergency response system. 

“There are three primary issues: skyrocketing costs, significant delivery delays, and hard‑to‑obtain proprietary parts,” said Napa Fire Chief Zach Curren, who will testify in Sacramento at a legislative informational hearing organized by Cal Cities. “Each of these factors is outside our control, and each has a direct negative impact on the communities we serve."

In just a few years, wait times in California for new fire apparatus have jumped from 18 months to nearly five years. A fire engine that cost a little under $600,000 six years ago now runs close to $1.1 million; ladder trucks that were $700,000 reach upwards of $2 million. Suppliers also now include contract clauses that allow final pricing to change between the order date and the delivery date.

A Cal Cities survey of fire chiefs found that the cost of fire vehicles has skyrocketed, with some departments seeing a 56% increase in six years. Of those surveyed, the vast majority indicated that the high costs and long delays have led to interruptions in response times and compromised their fleets.

Why it matters

Many departments now rely on older, less reliable equipment, increasing risks for firefighters and the public.

Critics argue that this is a direct result of two decades of market consolidation by private equity firms. Today, three major players control up to 80% of the market. City officials in multiple jurisdictions allege that this has resulted in anticompetitive practices and ultimately, less safe communities. Members of the industry argue that lingering labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, as well as the fact that each fire truck is made to order, are to blame. 

“Fire apparatus can be one of the most expensive pieces of equipment a city has to purchase, and with the drastically escalating prices and elongated build times, it’s my responsibility as the fire chief to ask questions,” said Fullerton Fire Chief Adam Loeser, who will testify alongside Curren in Sacramento.

How lawmakers and cities are responding

The crisis reached a boiling point last year when it attracted the attention of U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Josh Hawley.

“A fire engine isn’t a luxury item — it’s critical public safety infrastructure,” said Fountain Valley Fire Chief Chris Nigg, who spoke to congressional lawmakers last year. “When departments face unreasonably escalating costs and years-long waits for essential apparatus, the consequences extend far beyond city budgets and directly impact the safety of the communities we serve.”

But cities aren’t waiting for the federal government to act. Emeryville, Fullerton, Los Angeles County and the state, and San Diego have filed or joined lawsuits against major manufacturers alleging that companies are conspiring to fix prices, restrict supply, and monopolize the market. Other communities outside the state — including the cities of Augusta, Des Moines, Kansas City, Providence, and Milwaukee — have also filed suits alleging coordinated misconduct. These cases could be consolidated in federal court. And Texas has launched its own investigation.

The hearing in Sacramento on June 22 is part of an effort to raise greater awareness of the challenges faced by fire departments in California.

What action can be taken?  

Cal Cities is working with a range of regional, national, and international groups to urge action at the state and federal levels. This could include: 

• Improving market competition, oversight, and transparency. 
• Expanding procurement flexibility, including using federal funding to help departments buy and maintain fire apparatus.
• Strengthening long-term manufacturing capacity and encouraging standardization where appropriate.
• Protecting taxpayers from excessive cost escalation.
• Supporting emergency response readiness.

Cal Cities is also surveying its members and convening roundtables and panels to collect feedback and information from members. To learn how your city can get involved, contact your regional public affairs manager.