CHICAGO, Ill. (WOWO)  A malfunctioning ladder truck contributed to the deaths of four people in a June 26 fire in Chicago, highlighting a nationwide crisis: the United States is facing a critical shortage of fire trucks. Across the country, fire departments are struggling with aging fleets, equipment failures, and backlogs that can delay delivery of new vehicles for up to four years.

At the Chicago fire, firefighters attempted to deploy a tower ladder to rescue trapped residents, but the rig initially failed. “It’s a very important minute,” said Lt. Mark McDermott, describing the delay that may have cost lives.

The crisis is widespread. Cities including Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, and Cincinnati report trucks past recommended lifespans, and some stations lack a single functional vehicle. Firefighters are sometimes forced to respond in pickup trucks according to InvestigateTV.

The problem stems from several factors: corporate consolidation, private equity takeovers, supply chain issues, and labor shortages. More than two dozen independent fire truck manufacturers once competed in the U.S.; today, three companies — REV Group, Pierce Manufacturing (Oshkosh), and Rosenbauer — dominate 80% of the market. REV Group alone maintains a multi-billion-dollar backlog, while profit margins have tripled since 2000.

Senators and the International Association of Fire Fighters warn that consolidation and profit motives have worsened the shortage. Lawsuits from several cities allege price-fixing and antitrust violations.

Fire departments are attempting to cope by refurbishing older trucks, ordering early, or seeking smaller manufacturers, but delays remain long. Federal oversight and reform are being urged to ensure that essential emergency services are not compromised.

Chicago has recently received a few new trucks, including four new ladders, but nationwide, firefighters continue to risk responding in vehicles that should have been retired years ago.

“The federal government needs to deal with this issue,” said Rev. George Smith Jr., whose cousin died in the Chicago fire. “Because if they don’t, it’s going to keep happening. More people are going to die.”

Average delivery times for a custom-ordered fire truck remain around two years, even as production ramps up. Meanwhile, fire departments must continue relying on aging, sometimes dangerous, equipment to respond to emergencies.