ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A nationwide shortage of fire trucks and long manufacturing delays are affecting fire departments across the country, including in Albany, where officials say the city is waiting years to replace aging equipment.

The Albany Fire Department said it is expecting a new 3,000-gallon tanker, but the vehicle is not scheduled to arrive until spring 2027 because of production delays.

Albany Fleet Director Peter Bednar said the department has been waiting several years for other trucks already on order.

“We are replacing seven trucks. They were ordered almost four years ago,” Bednar said.

Nationally, fire departments are experiencing similar delays. Industry data shows the cost of fire trucks has increased roughly 64% in recent years, while wait times can stretch up to four years.

Bednar said the city is expected to begin receiving some new trucks by the end of March 2026, but the ordering process still requires significant long-term planning.

To manage the delays, Bednar said the department’s finance team plans for fire truck replacements 10 years in advance. He said the strategy helps bridge the gap as trucks approach the end of their typical 15-year life span.

But the rising costs are putting additional pressure on budgets.

“When you have trucks that are $1 million, that’s quite a significant change,” Bednar said.

Bednar said the department keeps two reserve fire trucks in case a frontline engine breaks down, but both are outdated and officials prefer not to rely on them.

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