Local fire departments blame private equity for rising equipment costs
Summary
Fire departments in Los Angeles and other parts of California are facing rising costs and long wait times for new fire trucks and equipment. Several agencies have filed federal lawsuits against manufacturers, accusing them of reducing competition and raising prices due to ownership by private equity firms.Key Facts
- Fire engines in Los Angeles County are often much older than industry standards recommend, with some frontline trucks being over 20 years old.
- Fire departments report that the price of new fire trucks has increased by more than 50% in recent years.
- The build time for new fire trucks can be as long as 45 months, causing delays in replacing old equipment.
- Fullerton, Los Angeles County, and the State of California filed federal antitrust lawsuits against manufacturers, including companies owned by the REV Group.
- The lawsuits claim that private equity ownership has reduced competition and raised prices.
- The REV Group and other manufacturers deny allegations, stating that lawsuits lack factual support.
- Fire chiefs point to COVID-19 supply chain problems and high demand as contributing factors to shortages.
- Older fire trucks sometimes lack modern safety features like airbags and rollover protection, which may affect firefighter safety.
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