On June 15, 2026, Mayor Brett P. Smiley of Providence announced that the city has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against major fire truck manufacturers Oshkosh and Terex, as well as the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association, an industry trade group. The lawsuit alleges that these entities engaged in anti-competitive practices, including price-fixing, market monopolization through acquisitions, and sharing sensitive pricing and supply information. These actions have led to inflated costs and significant delays in delivering essential fire and emergency response vehicles, burdening taxpayers and local budgets. Providence experienced a 60 percent increase in fire truck costs between 2020 and 2024, with delays doubling nationwide. Mayor Smiley emphasized that inflated prices reduce funds available for critical city services and jeopardize public safety by hindering firefighters’ access to reliable equipment. The lawsuit seeks damages, disgorgement of profits, and the reversal of certain mergers to restore competition. Chief Derek Silva of the Providence Fire Department highlighted the operational challenges caused by delays in replacing aging fire trucks, underscoring the importance of timely and affordable emergency response resources.