Senator Elizabeth Warren criticised industry executives during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee hearing on fire truck manufacturing.
She said three companies now control about 80 percent of the market, raising prices and extending delivery times.
She questioned whether private equity roll-ups have made it harder for firefighters to get safe and reliable equipment.
Warren pointed out that a pumper that cost $500,000 in 2013 now costs $1 million, and a ladder truck that cost $900,000 now costs $2 million. Delivery times have also stretched from one year in 2019 to three and a half years today.
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Edward Kelly told the hearing that some departments have been forced to deploy firefighters using pickup trucks instead of fire apparatus.
Kelly said this practice risks leaving people trapped in upper floors without proper rescue equipment and argued that the situation demonstrates why a federal investigation is needed.
He added that the IAFF has written to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting action.
Warren stressed that the FTC has powers under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act to study whether consolidation has harmed competition.
She argued that a study could show whether corporate practices are making it harder for firefighters to do their jobs.
Basel Musharbash of the Antimonopoly Council agreed that a 6(b) inquiry would highlight potential barriers for smaller manufacturers and shed light on the actions of dominant firms.
Kansas City Fire Chief Dennis Rubin supported the proposal, recalling how his department was forced to seek used apparatus when five of its 15 fire trucks were out of service.
Warren pressed representatives of REV Group and Pierce to commit to supporting a 6(b) study.
When REV Specialty Group President Mike Virnig declined to give a clear answer, Warren said: “I’ll take that as the game of dodgeball.”
She then challenged Pierce Vice President of Sales Dan Meyer with the same question. Meyer said the company would continue to cooperate with the FTC but also avoided a direct “yes” to supporting the study.
Warren argued that if companies were confident they were serving fire departments fairly, they should welcome a study.
She said firefighters and competition experts had already shown support for an investigation, while industry representatives appeared unwilling to commit.
She closed her remarks by urging the FTC to examine how corporate consolidation and business practices in fire truck manufacturing affect costs, delivery times, and firefighter safety.
Warren’s questioning highlighted how long lead times and higher costs may hinder departments’ ability to equip firefighters properly.
Her exchanges with executives showed the difficulty in gaining corporate commitments on transparency and accountability.
The outcome of any FTC study could shape future procurement conditions for fire trucks across the United States.
Senator Elizabeth Warren said three companies now control 80 percent of the fire truck market.
She reported that prices for apparatus have doubled in the last decade and delivery times have stretched from one year to three and a half years.
IAFF President Edward Kelly testified that departments have been forced to use pickup trucks in place of fire engines.
Kelly said the IAFF has asked the FTC and Department of Justice to investigate.
Warren said the FTC should use its 6(b) powers to study the industry.
Basel Musharbash said a study would clarify market barriers.
Kansas City Fire Chief Dennis Rubin said delays forced his department to buy used apparatus.
Warren asked industry executives to support a study.
REV Group and Pierce confirmed cooperation with the FTC but avoided direct support.
Warren said: “I’ll take that as the game of dodgeball.”
