San Francisco will allow private funding to help pay for new fire engines

The San Francisco Fire Department's fleet largely consists of vehicles over 15 years old, prompting city leaders to address the issue. Mayor Daniel Lurie approved legislation to permit private funding for new fire trucks, engines, and ambulances, which are critical for public safety. The price of fire engines has escalated from $750,000 a decade ago to approximately $1. 5 million today, highlighting the urgency for new equipment. Supervisor Connie Chan announced that the Board of Supervisors will introduce legislation to accelerate the procurement timeline for these vehicles.

However, the city may still encounter delays, as it can take two to three years to receive new trucks from manufacturers. The International Association of Fire Fighters has urged federal agencies to investigate what they describe as a monopoly in the emergency vehicle sector. Lt. Mariano Elias emphasized the need to retire outdated equipment, citing a 26-year-old ladder truck still in service. As city officials work to improve the fire department's capabilities, they also face rising costs and limited supplier options.