Senate subcommittee hears that rising prices and long backlogs are hobbling U.S. fire fleets; FTC, DOJ urged to investigate

Chairman Hawley opened a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management hearing saying: "Since 2020, prices for fire trucks have doubled and delivery times have in some cases quadrupled." The panel heard testimony from fire chiefs, union leaders, an antitrust attorney and manufacturers about rising costs, multi‑year delivery backlogs and how industry consolidation may be affecting public safety.

Why it matters: Witnesses and several senators said delays and higher prices for pumpers and ladder trucks have left some departments responding with older or improvised vehicles, increasing response times and risking both civilian and firefighter safety. Multiple witnesses urged federal enforcement agencies to investigate the industry’s market structure and contracting practices.

Chief Dennis Rubin, fire chief of Kansas City, Kansas, described an episode in mid‑2023 when 5 of 15 frontline engines were out of service because original‑equipment manufacturer repair parts were unavailable. "The wait of 3 to 5 years for replacement is unacceptable," Rubin said, and he told the committee his department temporarily answered some calls with loaned brush trucks and SUVs lacking hoses and ladders.

Edward Kelly, general president of the International Association of…