JD Vance outlines support for firefighters at IAFF conference

by AmericasAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

Firefighters hear renewed federal backing

Vice President JD Vance told firefighters in Washington, D.C., that the Trump administration will continue to support fire service priorities raised at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference.

The IAFF said Vance used the address to point to recent federal action on Social Security and line-of-duty death recognition linked to occupational cancer.

Vance told attendees: “There is no group of people that is harder working and more important for our communities than our fire fighters.”

General President Edward Kelly said federal backing had helped secure measures supported by the organisation and its members.

Kelly said: “When the passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act was in jeopardy this winter, the White House made it clear that they would stand with the families of our fallen.

“And they went to work.

“The White House removed every stumbling block that was put in our way.

“Occupational cancer is now recognized as a line-of-duty death.

“And federal death and education benefits are given to the families of our fallen because of the Trump-Vance administration’s steadfast support.”

The conference brings together fire fighters from across the United States to meet lawmakers and advocate for federal policies affecting public safety and emergency services.

Vance became the second sitting U.S. vice president in recent years to address the event.

Firefighters in focus across benefits, grants and health risks

The IAFF said Vance also referred to the Social Security Fairness Act, which restored Social Security benefits to retired fire fighters and other public servants.

He said President Donald Trump had pushed congressional Republicans to stay focused on the legislation after the 2024 election, and he noted that the bill passed on the final day of the 118th Congress.

Vance said: “One of the reasons why that happened … is because the President of the United States made sure that congressional Republicans stayed on top of that legislation and we worked to get it done.”

He also referred to federal support for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants, which help departments hire personnel and purchase equipment used in emergency response.

On firefighter health risks, Vance pointed to his support for the Railway Safety Act following the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

He said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working to better understand the health effects of toxic chemical exposure on fire fighters.

Vance said: “We want you all to know if, God forbid, you run into harm’s way, what are the consequences going to be to you over the long haul?

“And, importantly, what are the kinds of medical treatments that you’re going to need if you’re in that situation so that the sacrifice you make doesn’t become more than it has to be.”

Vance also shared a childhood memory of fire fighters responding to an emergency involving his mother in Middletown, Ohio, during her struggle with opioid addiction.

Vance said: “I picked up the phone, and a number of brave, professional, compassionate fire fighters from Middletown, Ohio, showed up.

“They made a kid who was scared to death feel like he had an ally in this world.

“And I will never forget that.”

He closed by linking the work of fire fighters and EMTs to community safety and said Washington should honour that service through its own actions.

IAFF members in British Columbia gain presumptive coverage for eight cancers

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

Cancer coverage expands in British Columbia

British Columbia has added eight cancers to its presumptive regime for fire fighters, bringing the total to 26 covered cancers.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) said the regulatory change was announced on March 3 by B.C. Premier David Eby and Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside.

Five respiratory cancers are now included: tracheal and bronchial cancers.

Laryngeal cancer, nasal cancer and pharyngeal cancer are also covered.

Skin cancer and soft tissue sarcoma have been added.

Mesothelioma has also been included, described in the source material as a cancer associated with asbestos exposure.

Changes to eligibility and claims process

The regulation reduces the required years of service to qualify for esophageal cancer coverage from 20 to 15.

The source material states that this change reflects a precedent set by the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association in 2023.

The announcement was made before delegates attending the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association (BCPFFA) annual Robert E. Hall Legislative Conference in Victoria.

BCPFFA President Todd Schierling said: “The BCPFFA has been a tireless advocate for these changes, and this is the strongest set of protections in the country,

“It means our members won’t be left fighting the system at the same time they’re fighting cancer.”

Schierling added: “This comprehensive approach reinforces the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to those who protect the public, ensuring they return home healthy at the end of their service.”

IAFF reaction and background on presumptive laws

IAFF General President Edward Kelly said: “Cancer remains the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service,

“Strong presumptive laws are an important part of confronting that reality across Canada.”

Eby stated: “Fire fighters so often face hazardous situations.

“We’re making sure they have support when they need it most.”

The source material states that occupational cancer claims the lives of more than 60 Canadian IAFF members each year, including 84 IAFF members in British Columbia over the past 10 years.

Presumptive cancer coverage streamlines the workers’ compensation process by reversing the burden of proof so fire fighters and their families can access support and compensation.

Presumptive legislation for fire fighters was first enacted in Manitoba in 2002 and is now in place in every province and territory in Canada.

British Columbia introduced its first presumptive legislation in 2005 with eight forms of cancer and has updated the regime several times.

Coverage also extends to heart injury and operational stress injury.

Sixth District Vice President Mike Carter said: “This advance will ensure that more fire fighters who get job-related cancers, and their families, get the support and compensation they deserve.”

US funding law boosts 9/11 health programme and fire service grants

by Americas - Featured NewsAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

One 9/11 law, two fire service impacts

The US government has been funded through Sept. 30, 2026 under a 2026 funding package signed into law by President Donald Trump.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) said the package advances priorities including protecting health care for 9/11 responders through the World Trade Center Health Program and increasing fire service staffing and equipment grants nationwide.

9/11 World Trade Center Health Program funding fix

The IAFF said the legislation includes a fix to the World Trade Center Health Program.

The package incorporates key components of the IAFF-backed 9/11 Responders and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act.

The IAFF said this corrects the programme’s funding formula and supports long-term solvency.

Kelly said: “Fire fighters who responded to the terrorist attack at Ground Zero answered the call without hesitation.

“‘Never forget’ means making sure these brave men and women have access to the healthcare they need to combat the long-term illnesses they’re facing due to their service on 9/11.”

Slevin said Congress is upholding its promise to 9/11 responders by fully funding the WTCHP.

Slevin said: “The WTC Health Program is critical for the thousands of first responders already diagnosed with 9/11-related illnesses – and for all those who will be diagnosed in the years ahead.

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, New Yorkers – and all those who rushed to Ground Zero – now know this vital program will continue to be there for them.”

Fire service grants and other provisions

The IAFF said the bill increases both the Assistance for Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programmes by 5.5%.

The IAFF said this makes more than $342 million available nationwide as departments face staffing shortages.

Departments can use the funds to hire additional fire fighters and acquire new apparatus.

Departments can use the funds to better protect communities and fire fighters on the job.

The bill includes a $1 million increase for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s National Fire Fighter Cancer Registry.

The bill includes a two-year extension for Medicare Ambulance Extender Payments.

The bill includes the IAFF-endorsed Honoring Our Living Donor (HOLD) Act, which improves income replacement for living organ donors who are temporarily unable to return to work while recovering from their surgery.

Outdated NFIRS shuts down as NERIS takes over

by Americas - Featured NewsEMSFeatured News

US Fire departments transition to cloud-based NERIS platform

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has fully launched the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) to provide fire departments with a comprehensive data platform for resource allocation and risk assessment.

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) affiliates were central to the development and rollout of this modernised, nationwide collection system.

As of 1 January 2026, NERIS serves as the primary and only fire and all-hazards data system in the United States.

Modernising data through the NERIS platform

The cloud-based system documents workload and operational risk across all-hazards responses using standardised data to inform safety policies and staffing models.

It replaces the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), which was built on outdated code and lacked compatibility with modern tools such as GIS mapping.

USFA developed the new platform in partnership with the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, and the wider fire service.

Assistant to the General President for Health & Safety Sean DeCrane said: “Accurate, comprehensive data strengthens the IAFF’s ability to protect staffing, improve safety, and secure the resources members need.

“It is critical that our members fill out the entire NERIS report.

“Inaccurate or missing data will potentially negatively impact our staffing and funding because decision makers would be acting on incomplete or false information.”

Implementation and departmental feedback on NERIS

A prototype version was tested in March 2024 by six departments, including Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and West Metro Fire Rescue, to capture information on structure fires and medical calls.

Following this pilot, NERIS Version 1 launched to 100 departments in November 2024, operating alongside NFIRS for one year before the legacy system was decommissioned.

This transition period allowed the UL Research Institute to verify the system’s capacity for high user volumes and emerging threats like lithium-ion battery incidents.

Steve Aseltine, a division chief with West Metro Fire Rescue and member of West Metro Local 1309, was instrumental in onboarding the system for his department.

Aseltine said: “The interface is designed to make it user-friendly.

“Data entry is more efficient, and the data is easier to access once it’s in the system.

“With this data, you can see trends and determine what and where the real safety risks are, and whether a deployment structure is or isn’t working.”

Dave Thorson, a battalion chief and Local 385 member with the Omaha Fire Department, added: “NERIS gathers data, not just from the incident commander, but also from individual fire companies.

“This way, there is a clear picture of what occurred with each incident.

“Departments like ours can use this data to make informed decisions.”

Regular updates are being issued based on feedback from participating departments as development continues towards a second version of the system.

US Senate backs firefighter cancer PSOB expansion in National Defense Authorization Act

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsHealth and Safety

NDAA adds PSOB presumption for firefighter cancer

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by Congress includes statutory text titled the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes provision, which amends the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits programme.

The change is set out in Section 1098 of the bill and adds a new subsection on “exposure-related cancers” to the PSOB law.

For firefighters, the provision directly addresses occupational cancer linked to repeated exposure to carcinogens encountered during emergency response, training and post-incident activities.

The statutory presumption recognises firefighter cancer as a potential line-of-duty injury for PSOB purposes when the eligibility conditions set out in the law are met.

What the bill changes in law

The bill states that “the exposure of a public safety officer to a carcinogen shall be presumed to constitute a personal injury” sustained in the line of duty and resulting in death or permanent and total disability, if the statutory conditions are met.

The bill defines “carcinogen” as an agent classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under Group 1 or Group 2A and “reasonably linked to an exposure-related cancer”.

Eligibility time limits in the statute

The presumption applies if the exposure occurred while the public safety officer was engaged in a line of duty action or activity.

The bill states the public safety officer must have begun serving “not fewer than 5 years before the date of the diagnosis” with an exposure-related cancer.

The bill states the officer must be diagnosed “not more than 15 years after the public safety officer’s last date of active service”.

The bill states the exposure-related cancer must “directly and proximately” result in death or permanent and total disability.

When the presumption does not apply

The bill includes an exception stating that the presumption “shall not apply” if competent medical evidence establishes the carcinogen exposure “was not a substantial contributing factor” in the death or disability.

Cancers listed in the bill

The bill defines “exposure-related cancer” as a list that includes bladder cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, malignant melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer and thyroid cancer.

The definition also includes “any form of cancer that is considered a WTC-related health condition” under the World Trade Center Health Program statute.

The bill also includes “any form of cancer added” through future updates.

Updates, evidence base and petitions

The bill requires that “from time to time but not less frequently than once every 3 years” the Director must review the definition of exposure-related cancer and update it where appropriate.

The bill states updates must be based on competent medical evidence showing significant risk to public safety officers from engagement in public safety activities.

The bill lists examples of evidence sources that may inform updates, including recommendations, risk assessments and scientific studies by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Toxicology Program, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The bill also states that any person may petition the Director to add a form of cancer to the definition, with a 180-day referral requirement for petitions that satisfy the content standard described in the statute.

Backdated applicability and claim window

The bill states the amendment applies to claims predicated on the death of a public safety officer on or after 1 January 2020 where the death is the direct and proximate result of an exposure-related cancer.

The bill also states it applies to a disability claim filed on or after 1 January 2020 where the disability is the direct and proximate result of an exposure-related cancer.

The bill adds that an individual seeking to file a claim predicated on the amendment is allowed to do so “within 3 years of the date of enactment”.

IAFC welcomes inclusion in the NDAA

Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford, President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, said: “The IAFC is grateful to see the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act included in the NDAA and on its way to being signed into law.

“This long-overdue reform ensures that the families of fire, law enforcement, and EMS personnel who die or become disabled from occupational cancer receive the federal benefits they deserve.

“By including occupational cancers in the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program, Congress is honoring the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes and standing firmly with the families they leave behind.

“We commend the bipartisan champions, including Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon and Carlos A. Gimenez, the bill’s House sponsors, and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Kevin Cramer, the bill’s Senate sponsors, who advanced this critical measure and thank lawmakers in both chambers for their commitment to our nation’s fire and EMS personnel.”

IAFF calls it a turning point for PSOB

General President Edward Kelly, International Association of Fire Fighters, said: “We know the devastation occupational cancer has brought to our profession.

“When a fire fighter dies from job-related cancer, that is a line-of-duty death – and it is long past time the federal government recognized that truth.

“Congress’s passage of the Honor Act marks a significant turning point.

“This legislation ensures our fallen are honored, and their families are not left behind.”

Kelly added: “This was a truly bipartisan effort, and I want to thank those lawmakers on Capitol Hill – both Republican and Democrat – who stood with us on this critical legislation.

“I also want to thank President Trump, whose support was crucial in passing what is easily one of the most impactful pieces of legislation in our union’s history.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Fire and rescue leaders, occupational health teams and HR functions may want to brief staff on the statutory time limits, particularly the five-year minimum service requirement before diagnosis and the 15-year limit after the last date of active service.

Departments supporting bereaved families may want to check how the bill’s applicability language linked to 1 January 2020 interacts with the additional three-year filing window tied to the date of enactment.

Services with exposure recording systems may also want to review how the bill defines carcinogen and how the PSOB presumption can be rebutted through competent medical evidence, as this will shape the documentation expected in claims.

This article was informed by the bill text and statements from the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

What Irving’s first collective bargaining win means for firefighter staffing

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured News

Irving firefighters secure first collective bargaining agreement

Irving Local 2073 has reached its first collective bargaining agreement with city officials after months of negotiation, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) said.

The deal follows the approval of Proposition A in November 2024, when 72% of voters backed collective bargaining rights for Irving firefighters.

Local 2073 President Brian Becker said the new agreement protects benefits, improves operational efficiency and creates a plan to achieve four-person staffing on all fire apparatus by 2029.

He said the city council approved the contract unanimously and that funding for the first phase of four-person staffing was included in the city’s 2025–26 budget.

According to the City of Irving, while the property tax rate was maintained, property tax revenue increased due to higher property valuations, and this additional revenue funded the new positions.

IAFF support throughout the process

According to the IAFF, the organisation provided campaign guidance, political strategy, GIS staffing analysis and training resources during the Prop A campaign and contract negotiations.

Becker said these resources were essential for preparing Local 2073’s leadership team to negotiate confidently.

He credited 11th District Vice President Michael Glynn, IAFF Strategic Campaigner Kent Grosse and Assistant to the General President for Government Affairs Chris “Blue” Bartley for their direct involvement.

Becker said: “We didn’t just wake up one day and decide to bargain.

“This was the result of years of groundwork, starting a PAC, building community relationships, and preparing for every step with IAFF’s help.

“The IAFF gave us the tools, funding, and strategy to succeed.”

Long-term impact for Irving firefighters

Glynn said: “I’m proud of Becker and Local 2073 for leading the way in securing meaningful, lasting change for their members.

“Their successful push to protect collective bargaining rights will benefit Irving fire fighters for generations.”

Becker also acknowledged support from the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters and IAFF’s Affiliate Leadership Training Summit.

He encouraged other locals to use IAFF resources when pursuing collective bargaining efforts.

“Start with your DVP,” Becker said.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The IAFF has everything you need and if you’re willing to do the work, they’ll help you succeed.”

Becker added that the agreement represents progress for both firefighters and the wider Irving community.

“This agreement is more than a contract—it’s progress for our fire fighters, our city, and every family that calls Irving home,” he said.

“For the first time, Irving has a clear path toward achieving national staffing standards, which means safer conditions for our members and better outcomes for our community.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The collective bargaining agreement in Irving, Texas establishes a structured plan to achieve four-person staffing on every fire apparatus by 2029.

This change will directly influence operational safety standards, response coordination and firefighter welfare across the city’s ten fire stations.

It also demonstrates how collaboration between municipal authorities, unions and state-level associations can deliver staffing improvements without tax increases.

For senior officers, union representatives and fire department administrators, the development illustrates a replicable model for balancing staffing objectives with fiscal responsibility.

By aligning local contracts with national safety benchmarks, the agreement provides a measurable roadmap for other departments considering collective bargaining to enhance crew safety and operational capacity.

Correction (14 October 2025)

A previous version of this article stated that the City of Irving would achieve four-person staffing “without raising taxes.”

The City of Irving has clarified that while the property tax rate was maintained for FY 2025–26, property tax revenue increased due to higher assessed valuations, and that revenue funded staffing commitments.

The city also noted that future phases of the four-person staffing plan could require voter approval for any tax rate changes.

IAFF ends firefighter protective gear lawsuit against NFPA after two-year dispute

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking News

IAFF moves to dismiss firefighter protective gear lawsuit

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has asked the Superior Court in Boston to dismiss all remaining claims against the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in its lawsuit concerning firefighter protective gear standards.

The IAFF filed the original complaint in March 2023, challenging aspects of the NFPA’s standards development process.

In March 2024, the court dismissed the portion of the case relating to an alleged conspiracy.

The latest motion seeks dismissal with prejudice, meaning the IAFF cannot refile the same claims.

NFPA President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Pauley said the organisation welcomed the outcome.

IAFF says primary objective has been achieved

Edward Kelly, General President of the IAFF, said: “Our objective was to remove PFAS and other toxins from fire fighter protective gear.

“Ultimately, the IAFF and NFPA have worked together toward this outcome, and we value their shared commitment to ensuring the highest standards of protection for the fire service and for our communities across North America.

“The primary objective of the lawsuit has been realized, and the IAFF Executive Board has directed our lawyers to end the litigation.”

NFPA says dismissal confirms standards integrity

Jim Pauley, President and Chief Executive Officer at NFPA, said: “As NFPA stated from the very beginning, the IAFF’s legal strategy was misguided and not supported by the facts.

“It was clear from the discovery process that remaining claims had no basis.

“We are pleased that they have asked the court to dismiss all claims.”

He added that the dismissal supports the transparency and inclusivity of the NFPA’s standards process.

Pauley said: “This outcome underscores that NFPA’s consensus-based process is the right forum for discussions about standards – one where all voices can be heard and all material is carefully considered by technical committee members in a transparent, inclusive manner.”

He explained that the lawsuit had no impact on the NFPA standards process.

Pauley said: “NFPA is a neutral facilitator. We don’t create or dictate the provisions of a standard. That’s the job of our technical committees, which are comprised entirely of expert volunteers representing a balance of interests of groups from the firefighting community, government, industry and consumers.”

Standards committee process outlined

According to the NFPA, its technical committees evaluate every recommendation submitted for new or updated standards.

The organisation stated that all aspects of the process are public, including committee membership, voting records and actions taken.

Each committee includes no more than one-third of members from the same interest category.

NFPA confirmed it does not have any special agreements or relationships with companies or organisations involved in standards development.

It added that anyone in the world may propose changes to any NFPA standard.

Background on firefighter gear standard

NFPA said the first standard for firefighter protective clothing was issued in 1975 to improve safety for frontline responders.

There have since been ten editions, each developed through new research, testing and field experience.

The current standard, NFPA 1970, came into effect in September 2024 and combines four previous standards into a single document.

The NFPA said the 1970 edition includes new measures on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ultraviolet light testing and chemical content labelling.

Among these are a Restricted Substances list, updated light resistance tests for full garment composites, and an optional test for low total fluorine content.

NFPA clarified that the preceding standard, NFPA 1971, never required the use of any particular chemicals or materials, leaving compliance methods to manufacturers.

Commitment to firefighter health and safety

Pauley said: “The full dismissal of the lawsuit affirms the hard work our organisation and our valued volunteers do every day to make the world a safer place and to help protect first responders.

“The IAFF has long been an important and diligent participant in the NFPA code development process bringing the essential voice of the fire service.

“We look forward to remaining focused on the mutual goal that matters most: protecting firefighter health and safety through strong, evidence-based standards.”

He added that NFPA remains committed to addressing occupational health risks in the fire service.

Pauley said: “NFPA understands the complex health risks that come with firefighting, and we’re deeply sympathetic to the terrible toll that cancer takes on firefighters and their families.

“We’re proud of our efforts to educate the fire service about occupational cancer risks, to advance research through the NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation, and to advocate for federal legislation around this important public health issue.

“For more than a century, we’ve worked with the fire service to protect life and property in our communities, and that important work will continue.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The IAFF’s decision to end its lawsuit against the NFPA confirms that firefighter protective gear standards will continue to be governed by NFPA’s established consensus-based process.

For fire chiefs, safety officers and procurement managers, this maintains stability and clarity in the specification of turnout gear under NFPA 1970.

The statement from the IAFF clarifies that the primary goal of removing PFAS and other toxic substances from firefighter protective clothing has now been achieved, signalling progress for occupational health protection.

Manufacturers, testing laboratories and certification bodies can continue working within a transparent system that balances environmental, health and performance requirements.

The outcome also reinforces that NFPA standards remain a trusted reference point for both regulatory compliance and product design.

The alarming truth about ageing fire apparatus in US departments

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsVehicles

IAFF blog highlights growing fire apparatus crisis

In a blog post, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) reported that a nationwide shortage of new fire apparatus is placing both firefighters and communities at risk.

According to the IAFF, three manufacturers – REV Group, Rosenbauer and Oshkosh – now control more than 70% of US apparatus production.

The union said this consolidation has led to prices doubling and delivery times stretching from two to four years.

It argued that departments are being forced to operate outdated and unreliable vehicles, increasing risks during emergency response.

The blog described the situation as an “apparatus crisis” affecting fire departments of all sizes.

Firefighters describe dangerous conditions with ageing vehicles

In its post, the IAFF cited local union leaders from across the United States who described serious equipment failures.

Patrick Cleary, President of Chicago Local 2, said: “We’ve had engines go out on calls with faulty brakes and had to crash them into buildings to stop them.

“It’s a huge problem, and it’s threatening the safety of the public and our fire fighters.”

He added that the city’s spare rigs are often decades old and “older than a lot of the members we have operating them.”

Chris Johnson, President of Las Cruces Local 2362 in New Mexico, said: “Our vehicles are so old at this point that you’re not even able to order new parts for a lot of them.”

According to the IAFF, both cities have been unable to modernise their fleets because of delayed deliveries and cancelled orders.

Long delivery times strain city budgets and planning

The IAFF blog explained that extended delivery times are also creating financial challenges for local governments.

Johnson said: “The city council has been forced to totally rewrite its budget process to account for the long delivery delays, and they’re now having to project funding three to four years out.

“While the current council is supportive, who knows if the council that’s in power three or four years from now will have the same mindset.”

He added: “The previous procurement process just doesn’t work anymore.

“We’re now planning our new orders five to 10 years out.

“It’s the only way to account for the delays.”

The IAFF said this long-term planning is now becoming the norm for departments across North America.

IAFF urges federal scrutiny of industry consolidation

In the same post, the IAFF said it is advocating for stronger oversight of fire apparatus manufacturers.

The organisation noted that General President Edward Kelly testified before the US Senate, warning that consolidation in the sector was endangering firefighters and the public.

Kelly told senators: “The data compiled by the IAFF and others leads one to conclude that these market conditions were planned and executed by corporate interests that do not share our collective goal of public safety.”

The IAFF said the issue has drawn bipartisan concern, with Senators Josh Hawley and Elizabeth Warren calling for investigations into private equity’s role in the market.

The union also confirmed it had joined the American Economic Liberties Project in sending a letter to the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission urging formal investigations.

The post concluded by encouraging IAFF affiliates to share their experiences with apparatus delays through an online form.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The IAFF’s blog highlights ongoing strain in the US fire apparatus market and its operational consequences for fire services.

Procurement officers and fleet managers may face longer lead times for new vehicles, affecting replacement schedules and maintenance planning.

Fire chiefs and municipal administrators could need to adopt multi-year forecasting models to manage fleet turnover and funding cycles.

Budget planners may also have to secure financial commitments far in advance to avoid disruption to service delivery.

These developments could influence procurement policy, emergency preparedness and asset management across departments of varying sizes.

This article was informed by information from the following source: The International Association of Fire Fighters

Readers can view the full blog on the International Association of Fire Fighters’ website.