Central Texas fire departments adapt to soaring truck costs, longer wait times

MARLIN, Texas (KWTX) - Fire departments across Central Texas are adapting to rising equipment costs by purchasing decades-old trucks and extending wait times for new vehicles as apparatus prices have soared over the past five years.

Marlin Fire Chief Justin Parker purchased a 31-year-old fire truck last year for just over $30,000. The vehicle serves as the only ladder truck in Falls County, though it predates the current century. A new equivalent would cost more than $1 million.

“As a chief, as a 25-year veteran of this service, I think it’s appalling that emergency vehicle prices have reached this point where we’re in the millions, where the most basic spec pumper with two doors and basic compartment configuration is over $500,000,” Parker said.

Wait times increase dramatically

Delive