Los Angeles County Files Lawsuit Against Fire Truck Manufacturers
Los Angeles County has initiated legal action against a private equity firm and manufacturers of fire trucks for breaching antitrust and unfair competition regulations. The county alleges that years of mergers and acquisitions have reduced competition in the market for new fire trucks, engines, and equipment, leading to exorbitant price hikes.
According to the lawsuit submitted on February 12 by the L.A. County Office of County Counsel, prices have surged in many cases, with some costs doubling. The consolidation of companies has resulted in delays in receiving essential parts and apparatus, impacting the fire department’s ability to swiftly repair out-of-service fire trucks and engines.
This monopolistic conduct has hampered the timely acquisition of fire trucks and engines, particularly critical in light of increasing fire risks associated with climate change. Recent incidents like the Palisades and Eaton fires, which destroyed thousands of properties and claimed lives, underscore the urgent need for enhanced firefighting capabilities within the county.
First District Supervisor and Board Chair Hilda Solis emphasized the significance of the lawsuit, stating, “These companies have driven up prices and postponed deliveries, forcing our communities to bear the burden. Fire trucks are vital for public safety, and we are committed to holding these firms accountable to ensure fair competition.”
The county’s lawsuit targets American Industrial Partners, along with fire truck manufacturers REV Group, Oshkosh Corp., and Boise Mobile Equipment. The county is seeking to undo the mergers and to recover overcharges that municipalities like L.A. County Fire allege were unjustly incurred.
During a budget meeting on February 17, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone revealed that 22% of the fire department’s vehicles urgently need replacement. He cited significant price increases, noting that fire engines that once cost about $600,000 now cost around $1.1 million, while hook-and-ladder trucks have risen from $1 million to roughly $2.1 million. Additionally, he mentioned that delivery times for equipment have either doubled or tripled over the last five years.
The lawsuit also accuses Oshkosh of anticompetitive practices, such as mandating customers of its subsidiary, Pierce Manufacturing, to buy only Pierce parts, which often carry higher prices compared to competing products. The lawsuit states, “The L.A. County Fire Department has encountered severe price spikes and extensive delays in fire truck deliveries,” adding that these issues strain budgets meant to support lifesaving operations.
Oshkosh has responded, claiming the lawsuit’s allegations are unfounded and that it will defend itself in court while continuing to focus on delivering high-quality fire trucks. The case will be prosecuted by the County Counsel’s Affirmative Litigation and Consumer Protection Division in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
