Here’s something I bet you didn’t know: Wall Street has been quietly taking over the fire truck industry. It’s delaying equipment firefighters need and costing taxpayers millions, including here in San Diego County.  

As wildfires grow more frequent and destructive across our region, the last thing our communities should have to worry about is whether firefighters have the tools to keep us safe. 

San Diego County is fighting back — with one of the first government antitrust lawsuits in the nation targeting the fire truck monopolies.

Price Gouging — On Fire Trucks!

When a wildfire threatens our communities — in Julian, Jamul, Potrero, or anywhere across San Diego County — our firefighters need to be ready. This means having the right equipment when they need it. 

For years, a handful of corporations have been quietly making that harder.

Through a wave of buyouts and consolidations, companies like REV Group, Oshkosh/Pierce Manufacturing, American Industrial Partners, and Boise Mobile Equipment took over the fire truck market — shutting down plants, eliminating competition, and driving up prices. The results?

• Fire trucks that once cost $650,000 now exceed $1.3 million.
• Delivery times have stretched from one year to four. 
• Some orders placed years ago still haven't arrived.

Meanwhile, REV Group's CEO was bragging to investors: "We like backlog, we love backlog."

Fighting Corporate Fire with Legal Fire

This is outrageous. Our firefighters can't wait four years for a truck. Our communities — facing growing wildfire risk every season — can't afford it.

San Diego County has filed a landmark antitrust lawsuit against the companies responsible for this fire truck monopoly

We're seeking damages and structural changes to restore real competition to this market. Under federal antitrust law, any damages awarded are automatically tripled.

Public safety is our first obligation. I will not stop fighting until our firefighters have what they need to protect our communities.