The alarming truth about ageing fire apparatus in US departments
Iain Hoey
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IAFF blog highlights growing fire apparatus crisis
In a blog post, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) reported that a nationwide shortage of new fire apparatus is placing both firefighters and communities at risk.
According to the IAFF, three manufacturers – REV Group, Rosenbauer and Oshkosh – now control more than 70% of US apparatus production.
The union said this consolidation has led to prices doubling and delivery times stretching from two to four years.
It argued that departments are being forced to operate outdated and unreliable vehicles, increasing risks during emergency response.
The blog described the situation as an “apparatus crisis” affecting fire departments of all sizes.
Firefighters describe dangerous conditions with ageing vehicles
In its post, the IAFF cited local union leaders from across the United States who described serious equipment failures.
Patrick Cleary, President of Chicago Local 2, said: “We’ve had engines go out on calls with faulty brakes and had to crash them into buildings to stop them.
“It’s a huge problem, and it’s threatening the safety of the public and our fire fighters.”
He added that the city’s spare rigs are often decades old and “older than a lot of the members we have operating them.”
Chris Johnson, President of Las Cruces Local 2362 in New Mexico, said: “Our vehicles are so old at this point that you’re not even able to order new parts for a lot of them.”
According to the IAFF, both cities have been unable to modernise their fleets because of delayed deliveries and cancelled orders.
Long delivery times strain city budgets and planning
The IAFF blog explained that extended delivery times are also creating financial challenges for local governments.
Johnson said: “The city council has been forced to totally rewrite its budget process to account for the long delivery delays, and they’re now having to project funding three to four years out.
“While the current council is supportive, who knows if the council that’s in power three or four years from now will have the same mindset.”
He added: “The previous procurement process just doesn’t work anymore.
“We’re now planning our new orders five to 10 years out.
“It’s the only way to account for the delays.”
The IAFF said this long-term planning is now becoming the norm for departments across North America.
IAFF urges federal scrutiny of industry consolidation
In the same post, the IAFF said it is advocating for stronger oversight of fire apparatus manufacturers.
The organisation noted that General President Edward Kelly testified before the US Senate, warning that consolidation in the sector was endangering firefighters and the public.
Kelly told senators: “The data compiled by the IAFF and others leads one to conclude that these market conditions were planned and executed by corporate interests that do not share our collective goal of public safety.”
The IAFF said the issue has drawn bipartisan concern, with Senators Josh Hawley and Elizabeth Warren calling for investigations into private equity’s role in the market.
The union also confirmed it had joined the American Economic Liberties Project in sending a letter to the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission urging formal investigations.
The post concluded by encouraging IAFF affiliates to share their experiences with apparatus delays through an online form.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The IAFF’s blog highlights ongoing strain in the US fire apparatus market and its operational consequences for fire services.
Procurement officers and fleet managers may face longer lead times for new vehicles, affecting replacement schedules and maintenance planning.
Fire chiefs and municipal administrators could need to adopt multi-year forecasting models to manage fleet turnover and funding cycles.
Budget planners may also have to secure financial commitments far in advance to avoid disruption to service delivery.
These developments could influence procurement policy, emergency preparedness and asset management across departments of varying sizes.
This article was informed by information from the following source: The International Association of Fire Fighters
Readers can view the full blog on the International Association of Fire Fighters’ website.