Audio By Carbonatix

Is anyone else concerned about the looming fire truck shortage? Multiple fire departments are pulling the alarm because they can’t afford new trucks and are stuck with units that are 20 to 30 years old. 

Fire departments ask for help related to expensive fire truck shortage 

There are fire departments all across the country putting stress on old fire trucks. Some were designed to be placed out of service years ago. 

A few of the fire trucks are 20 to 30 years old. However, firefighters have no choice but to try and maintain them due to costs and shortages. 

Three groups have a monopoly over the market. The REV Group controls 30% making it hard for others to compete due to rising costs and supply chain shortages.

A brand-new rig costs about $2 million, and departments are expected to use them for about 15 years. While those costs are out of control, the REV has a waiting list worth $4 billion that will take up to 18 months to fulfill. 

The waiting list for Oshkosh and Rosenbauer is growing. As firefighters repeatedly receive delays from these companies, they are forced to try and keep older rigs going. 

According to Patch, one unit needs to spend $10,000 to replace a radiator on a 30-year-old truck. Another department had to hire mechanics to keep their fire trucks going. 

Some departments have yards full of trucks that won’t run for spare parts. The risk of trucks breaking down during emergencies is increasing. The International Association of Firefighters has asked the government to step in and investigate the companies that build fire trucks.