San Diego County aims to address rising costs and delivery delays by taking action against fire truck manufacturers.
In an alarming incident last month, a firefighter in San Diego County reported a significant loss of water while combating a small brush fire in the desert. Firefighter Tim Ross noted that 20% of the water he supplied accidentally spilled onto the ground, attributing the mishap to aging equipment and an outdated engine impaired by years of hard water and debris accumulation in the pump. The issue is emblematic of a larger crisis facing fire agencies in the region, as costs soar and the wait for new fire engines stretches into years.
Fire officials have pointed to the consolidation of the fire truck manufacturing industry as a primary cause of these challenges. County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer emphatically blamed a handful of corporations that have monopolized the supply chain for firefighting equipment. During a recent meeting, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors endorsed Lawson-Remer’s initiative to explore potential legal and advocacy actions against these corporations, many of which are backed by private equity firms.
This push for action follows a New York Times report indicating that roughly three companies dominate the majority of the fire truck manufacturing market, leading to inflated prices and extensive backlogs. For instance, Lawson-Remer revealed that local fire departments are experiencing wait times exceeding two-and-a-half years, with the costs of essential equipment having doubled in recent years. The price for a Type-1 fire engine has surged from approximately 6,000 in 2016 to around .25 million today, reflecting a dramatic increase that raises concerns about fiscal sustainability within the county.
The fiscal landscape continues to complicate procurement processes, with San Diego County Fire Protection District heavily relying on the REV Group, one of the leading manufacturers. Since the fire department’s inception in 2008, it has purchased more than 90 fire apparatus, amounting to approximately million excluding currently active orders. Standardization of equipment is one driving factor for these long-term contracts, as agencies prefer to maintain familiarity for training and maintenance efficiencies.
The board’s resolution to consult legal counsel on antitrust practices underscores a growing urgency to address the stagnant supply chain and exorbitant pricing. This decision marks a pivotal moment, as political leaders aim to rally both state and federal support in addressing this pressing issue. The county has previously pursued litigation against other powerful industries, including opioid manufacturers and tech companies, indicating a proactive stance in tackling monopolistic practices that hinder public safety.
As fire departments continue to grapple with an outdated fleet and inflated costs, the potential ramifications on public safety and operational efficiency remain concerning. The county’s efforts to break through corporate bottlenecks may prove vital in restoring fair competition and ensuring adequate resources for emergency response in San Diego County.
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