Attention Mayors: Your Town May Be Owed Money Over Fire Truck Costs
July 1, 2026
Mayors, first selectmen, and town leaders in small towns and big cities alike may not realize that a routine municipal purchase — a fire truck — is now at the center of a federal antitrust case. If your town bought fire apparatus since 2016, this is worth five minutes of your attention.
What's Alleged in This Case
It's alleged that fire truck manufacturers colluded to increase prices and delay production of fire apparatus purchased by municipalities across the country. A federal lawsuit covering these allegations has already been filed and consolidated as MDL 3179, with towns from across the country represented in the case. As with any pending litigation, these are allegations that have not been proven, and the ultimate outcome remains to be determined.
What This Means for Your Town
If your town purchased a fire truck since 2016, you and your municipality may be eligible for compensation tied to what plaintiffs describe as excessive fire apparatus costs and related delays in obtaining replacement parts. In plain terms, this is an opportunity to potentially recover money for your town at no upfront cost. You can contact us directly, or have your town attorney reach out on your behalf — either way, we'll explain the claims and, if appropriate, pursue them for the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the town attorney be the one to contact you?
That works well for many municipalities, though mayors and fire chiefs reach out directly too.
Is there any cost to the town for a case review?
No, this initial review is free with no obligation.
What if our town purchased trucks through a regional cooperative?
That's worth discussing — bring whatever purchase records you have, and we can help sort out what applies.
Watch attorney Peter Bowman's message to mayors and town leaders: If You're The Mayor (YouTube).
If you're a mayor, selectperson, or town leader whose municipality purchased fire apparatus since 2016, contact BBB Attorneys today for a free, no-cost case evaluation.
