The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) has reported an increase in shipped fire apparatus in 2024, narrowing the backlog created by pandemic-era disruptions.
According to FAMA, 2024 shipped orders were 13 percent higher than those recorded in 2022, marking a step toward rebalancing the gap caused by rising demand and lagging deliveries.
FAMA is a United States-based non-profit trade body made up of approximately 135 member companies.
It reported that the average number of fire apparatus orders remained stable from 2011 to 2019, until pandemic travel restrictions disrupted purchasing activity and order fulfillment.
FAMA stated that fire apparatus orders fell by 12 percent in 2020 due to pandemic travel restrictions and difficulties meeting specification requirements in person.
As restrictions lifted in 2021 and 2022, FAMA noted that backlogged demand led to a spike in new orders, reaching 45 percent above the pre-pandemic baseline.
The association explained that while fire apparatus manufacturers initially increased inventory levels to mitigate material delays, shipment volumes dropped 9 percent below pre-pandemic levels between 2021 and 2022.
FAMA said its Technical Committee provides support and liaison across seven NFPA standards groups and includes eight subcommittees focused on systems and equipment.
It explained that the committee has contributed to the development of safety testing tools, including a slip resistance test for surface materials.
The association noted that although it does not determine standards directly, it works with NFPA to assist in research that shapes minimum performance requirements for apparatus and components.
The Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) has worked for more than two decades to support funding mechanisms including the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) and SAFER programs, according to FAMA.
FAMA said the GAC collaborates with fire service organizations to influence state and federal funding policy.
It also outlined that its Data and Research Committee provides one of the fire sector’s most comprehensive data sets, helping members understand purchasing and manufacturing trends across North America.
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) has reported that 2024 shipped orders rose 13 percent from 2022 levels.
FAMA stated that pandemic-related disruptions caused a 12 percent drop in booked orders in 2020.
The association reported that new orders spiked 45 percent above the pre-pandemic average in 2021 and 2022.
FAMA said shipment volumes fell 9 percent below the pre-pandemic baseline due to material shortages.
The organization stated that the imbalance between booked and shipped orders created longer lead times.
FAMA membership includes 135 companies manufacturing fire apparatus and components in the U.S. and Canada.
It reported that its Technical Committee supports NFPA standards and helps develop apparatus testing tools.
FAMA said the Governmental Affairs Committee has influenced AFG and SAFER program development for more than 20 years.
It noted that the Data and Research Committee provides fire service purchasing and trend data.
FAMA said it collaborates with national and international fire service bodies on apparatus safety and performance standards.
