Skip to main content

I don’t have to tell you that emergency vehicles aren’t all the same. A police car is a much more affordable proposition than a fully loaded ambulance or fire apparatus. So, just how much does a fire truck cost in 2024? 

The type of truck and gear on board dictates how much a fire truck can cost

In short, how much a fire truck will cost a department depends on many factors. For instance, a tractor-drawn ladder truck with a 100+ foot aerial device can cost well over $1 million. However, a new fire engine could cost anywhere between $200,000 and $1 million. Conversely, smaller emergency support vehicles and battalion leadership SUVs could be much, much more affordable.

So, why are they so expensive? Well, fire trucks are more than rolling water pumps. They are complex emergency vehicles with an arsenal of rescue and safety equipment. Some ladder trucks can incorporate aerial devices capable of extending to over 100 feet and using massive stabilizers to remain steady. No simple setups here. 

Of course, a new fire truck isn’t the only option. According to Fenton Fire, a used fire apparatus’s age is an important factor in its running costs. New trucks, or those newer than five years old, will maintain substantial value, in some cases around $800,000. However, antique or classic models could be much more affordable as their operational value is nearly nonexistent. 

The sheer size and complexity of a fire engine like this begs the question 'how much do fire trucks cost'?
A fire engine with its lights illuminated | Jesse Koering via iStock

However, private buyers seeking to purchase a used fire apparatus for display or recreational purposes might spend considerably less. Specifically, buyers can peruse government auction websites for retired or decommissioned emergency vehicles.

Beyond the apparatus, the gear on board a fire truck can dictate how much it costs as a complete unit. For example, hydraulic cutting and spreading tools can cost thousands of dollars each. That’s not counting the huge lengths of hydraulic hose lines. In addition to rescue tools, jacketed hose lines, and nozzles are far from the stuff you use to water the gardenias. Just to give you an idea, a 50-foot roll of five-inch firefighting hose can cost over $1,000.

Related

Now’s the Perfect Time to Buy a First-Generation Toyota Sequoia for Less Than $5K

Best in Trucks
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).