Investigations and lawsuits are escalating over fire apparatus pricing and delivery delays that can stretch for years.
In a February 26, 2026 commentary, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) said it has pressed the federal government to intervene and that state and local officials are now taking action against manufacturers suspected of anticompetitive practices.
Texas has launched an investigation, and Los Angeles County, California, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have filed lawsuits against REV Group, Oshkosh and Rosenbauer.
Officials in those jurisdictions cite evidence that the companies conspired to fix prices, restrict supply and monopolize the fire apparatus market.
Price hikes and delays are forcing departments to keep aging apparatus in service longer and raising safety concerns.
General President Edward Kelly said: “Fire fighters need modern, reliable equipment to keep our communities protected.
“Departments are waiting years and paying double for essential equipment.
“That’s unacceptable, and it’s putting lives at risk.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into the three manufacturers after multiple municipalities raised concerns about price increases and delivery delays.
Paxton said: “Our state’s firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and departments deserve fair access to reliable, up to date equipment at reasonable prices.
“I will not allow public safety or the well-being of our firefighters to be compromised by unethical and illegal corporate activity.”
The investigation has identified examples of alleged price hikes through existing complaints, and Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) have been issued seeking documents and information related to business practices.
Los Angeles County filed an antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles against REV Group, Pierce Manufacturing and Oshkosh.
The county alleged the companies “have reaped extraordinary profits on the backs of fire departments, taxpayers, cities, and counties” by creating “highly concentrated and oligopolistic markets that they control,” allowing them raise prices and reduce supply.”
The filing also alleged American Industrial Partners (AIP) merged independent firetruck companies into a larger manufacturer with power to extract higher prices.
Milwaukee filed a class action lawsuit against the three manufacturers, claiming price gouging and intentional delivery delays.
The city alleged “direct competitors” participated in “purchasing roundtables” at Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) meetings to “exchange competitively sensitive, nonpublic information,” “coordinate the suppression of Fire Truck supply, and raise Fire Truck prices.”
Milwaukee’s filing claims the cost of each piece of apparatus has doubled and in some cases tripled.
Local 215 President Eric Daun told local media: “Five years ago, that $10 million would have bought us 10 apparatus, if not 12.
“Now it’s getting us five.”
The department has waited more than a year for delivery of three engines and several months for two ladder trucks.
Records cited in the commentary show the three companies control more than 70% of U.S. production after consolidating the fire apparatus market.
REV Group and Pierce have denied wrongdoing and cited post-pandemic labor shortages and supply chain issues.
Last year, the IAFF and the American Economic Liberties Project (AELP) sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) seeking formal investigations into consolidation in the industry.
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.”
Affiliates impacted by delays and price increases can share their story through an online form on the IAFF website.
