Fire Truck Market Overview, 2025-30

The global fire truck market has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from manual bucket brigades and hand-pumped water carts in ancient times to highly advanced, technology-driven emergency response vehicles. The industrial revolution introduced steam-powered fire engines, improving mobility and water delivery, followed by motorized fire trucks in the early 20th century with internal combustion engines that enhanced speed, efficiency, and operational reach. Today’s fire trucks integrate thermal imaging cameras, GPS navigation, real-time communication systems, and IoT-enabled platforms, enabling rapid and coordinated firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency medical response. Electrification and hybridization have become central to global innovation, with vehicles like the Pierce Volterra, Rosenbauer RTX, and Panther series representing a shift toward sustainable firefighting solutions. Major manufacturers, including Oshkosh, Rosenbauer, REV Fire Group, Scania, Volvo, E-ONE, Magirus, and XCMG, are leading the charge, incorporating AI-driven collision avoidance, drone-assisted surveillance, and foam-based suppression systems to meet complex operational requirements. Governmental policies and emission standards are accelerating adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, including Europe’s Euro VII standard, China’s upcoming China VII regulations, and U.S. environmental initiatives. Notable global developments include Rosenbauer’s delivery of 50 electric trucks to Los Angeles, Pierce’s federal funding for rural fleet modernization, and hybrid ARFF solutions by Scania & Albert Ziegler in Europe. Emerging markets are seeing growth through domestic OEMs offering cost-effective solutions, exemplified by India’s Smart Cities Mission and China’s airport expansion projects, highlighting the worldwide need for diverse, adaptable, and technologically advanced fire trucks. These trends reflect the global focus on operational readiness, environmental sustainability, and enhanced safety across municipal, industrial, and aviation firefighting contexts.

According to the research report, “Global Fire Truck Market Outlook, 2030”, the Global Fire Truck market is expected to cross USD 11.65 billion market size by 2030, with 4.81% CAGR by 2025-30. Global fire truck innovation continues to prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and advanced operational capabilities. Electric and hybrid propulsion systems, AI-assisted fire detection, autonomous routing, and real-time data analytics are increasingly integrated to enhance response times and mission effectiveness. Key milestones include Pierce’s Volterra hybrid-electric fire trucks reducing emissions by 40%, Oshkosh’s AI-enabled Collision Avoidance Mitigation System, and Rosenbauer’s Panther 6×6 electric ARFF vehicles for airport firefighting. Investments by governments worldwide from the U.S. Assistance to Firefighters Grant program and Canada’s fleet modernization contracts to Australia’s adoption of hybrid heavy-duty trucks underscore the strategic importance of fire apparatus. Manufacturers globally are also forming partnerships to expand electrification, such as Daimler Truck AG and XCMG in China, and Equipmake Limited with London Fire Brigade in the UK. Local OEMs in Asia, Europe, and South America are innovating cost-effective and specialized solutions, while high-profile deployments demonstrate electric and hybrid trucks’ performance under diverse conditions. The global fire truck market reflects a convergence of technology, regulation, and sustainability, ensuring fire services worldwide are equipped to meet urbanization, climate change, industrial hazards, and natural disaster challenges. Modern fire trucks have evolved into multifunctional assets, combining firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical capabilities with advanced safety, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency, making them indispensable components of public safety infrastructure globally.

Market Drivers

• Urbanization and Infrastructure Growth: Rapid urbanization and expansion of commercial and industrial infrastructure have increased the demand for advanced firefighting vehicles. Cities with high-rise buildings, dense residential complexes, and industrial hubs require fire trucks capable of rapid response, high-capacity water delivery, and specialized rescue operations. The growth of transportation networks and airports also demands dedicated firefighting vehicles like ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) trucks, boosting the need for versatile and technologically equipped units.
• Technological Advancements in Firefighting Vehicles: Modern fire trucks now integrate advanced technologies such as electric propulsion systems, AI-powered navigation, thermal imaging cameras, and real-time communication tools. These technologies improve operational efficiency, reduce response time, and enhance safety for both firefighters and the public. Manufacturers like Rosenbauer and Pierce are investing in electric and hybrid fire trucks, which not only reduce emissions but also optimize energy consumption, further driving market adoption.

Market Challenges

• High Capital and Maintenance Costs: Fire trucks are expensive to manufacture and maintain due to their complex engineering and specialized equipment. Electric and hybrid models, while environmentally friendly, involve higher initial investment and require specialized charging infrastructure. Maintenance of pumps, ladders, and electronic systems adds recurring costs, which can be a barrier for smaller municipalities and private fire services.
• Skilled Workforce Requirements: Modern fire trucks come with advanced technologies that require trained personnel for operation and maintenance. Ensuring that fire departments have adequately trained drivers, operators, and technicians is a challenge, especially in developing regions. Without proper training, there is a risk of inefficient operation, equipment damage, or compromised emergency response, limiting the effectiveness of even the most advanced vehicles.

Market Trends

• Adoption of Electric and Hybrid Fire Trucks: With a growing focus on sustainability and emission reduction, fire departments are increasingly adopting electric and hybrid fire trucks. These vehicles reduce noise pollution and operational costs while maintaining high performance. For example, the Pierce Volterra electric fire truck in Texas has set a benchmark for emission-free firefighting, encouraging similar initiatives globally.
• Integration of Smart Technologies: Fire trucks are increasingly equipped with smart technologies like IoT sensors, GPS-based route optimization, and AI-driven fire detection systems. These innovations allow for real-time monitoring, faster deployment, and better coordination among emergency units. Such integration enhances firefighter safety, improves incident management, and increases operational efficiency across urban and remote environments.

ARFF vehicles are growing fastest because global aviation safety standards demand highly specialized, rapid-response units at every functioning airport regardless of size or traffic.

Around the world, civil aviation authorities and international regulatory bodies like ICAO require airports to maintain dedicated ARFF units capable of responding within a matter of minutes to any part of the airfield. This requirement applies not just to major international hubs, but even to regional airports and private airstrips that support commercial operations. The pressure to comply has intensified as new airports are constructed, old ones are expanded, and passenger volumes grow. Unlike traditional fire trucks, ARFF vehicles are built to navigate wide, open runways at high speed, carry massive volumes of fire suppression agents like dry chemicals and foam, and operate under extreme heat and hazardous conditions involving jet fuel fires. These vehicles are also expected to perform complex rescue operations and manage cabin fires or fuel spills within very tight timeframes. With aircraft becoming larger and more technologically advanced, ARFF capabilities must evolve in parallel, prompting many airports to upgrade fleets even if existing vehicles are still operational. Countries modernizing their aviation infrastructure particularly in Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa are increasingly prioritizing the procurement of these vehicles to meet licensing and safety certification requirements. Moreover, many ARFF vehicles incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as infrared imaging, remote-controlled nozzles, and real-time communication systems to coordinate with air traffic control and ground crews, which adds to their appeal for airport authorities seeking both compliance and preparedness. Given that failure to meet ARFF standards can result in flight restrictions or loss of certification, the urgency surrounding these acquisitions is high, and the market continues to grow rapidly as more airports come online and regulations tighten globally.

Airports are becoming the fastest-growing application due to the mandatory presence of dedicated firefighting capabilities as a non-negotiable part of aviation safety compliance around the globe.

Airports operate in a high-stakes environment where any fire incident whether on the runway, inside terminals, or involving aircraft must be handled within minutes, or even seconds, to prevent large-scale catastrophe. This isn't a recommendation; it's a mandate from international regulators like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national bodies such as the FAA in the United States or EASA in Europe. Every commercial airport, regardless of size, must maintain its own firefighting force, fully trained and equipped to handle aircraft-specific emergencies, which inherently differ from conventional urban fires. This includes fuel fires, large passenger evacuations, and potential hazmat situations unique to aviation. As air travel demand increases, many countries are building new airports or expanding existing ones, each requiring a fully functioning fire station on-site. Even smaller regional airports aiming to handle more air traffic must upgrade their emergency response capabilities. This results in a sharp uptick in fire truck procurement focused specifically on airport needs. Additionally, new safety protocols introduced following high-profile aviation incidents have forced even existing airports to modernize their equipment, including upgrading older fire trucks with faster, more powerful, and more versatile units designed for rapid deployment on tarmacs and across large airport zones. Many governments now link airport certification and operational licensing directly to fire response readiness, creating direct commercial pressure to maintain modern fleets. Furthermore, airport environments are embracing digital systems and integration, prompting the need for high-tech fire trucks capable of linking with command systems, flight data, and sensor grids. These operational demands, driven by regulation and safety necessity, are what make airports the most rapidly expanding segment for fire truck application worldwide.

Electric propulsion is expanding fastest due to regulatory pushes for emissions reduction, rising urban sustainability goals, and technological advancements making electric fire trucks both viable and desirable.

As cities around the world set aggressive targets to decarbonize public services, fire departments are under increasing pressure to shift away from diesel-powered fleets, which traditionally contribute significantly to municipal emissions. Electric fire trucks offer a direct path toward cleaner operations without compromising on performance something that was not technically feasible a decade ago but is now becoming reality thanks to breakthroughs in battery capacity, thermal management, and electric drivetrains. Manufacturers such as Rosenbauer with its RT (Revolutionary Technology) truck, and others in the U.S. and Europe, have begun rolling out electric models that not only meet modern fire service demands but often exceed them in quiet operation, torque, and onboard power systems. These vehicles can supply electricity to run lighting, tools, and communications without relying on noisy, polluting diesel generators. Urban centers with low-emission zones or outright bans on combustion engines for emergency fleets are leading the adoption, with cities like Los Angeles, Berlin, and Amsterdam taking delivery of or placing orders for electric fire trucks. Moreover, public scrutiny around environmental responsibility has made electric fire trucks a high-visibility statement of commitment to green initiatives, helping departments secure funding from climate-focused government grants or sustainability-driven budgets. Additionally, electric propulsion aligns well with the growing adoption of smart fire stations and digitized fleet management systems, which are optimized for electric vehicle integration. While rural or off-road usage still faces limitations, the overwhelming focus on urban response readiness and the growing availability of fast-charging infrastructure are accelerating electric fire truck deployment, making this segment the fastest-growing in the propulsion category on a global scale.

North America leads globally because of its blend of high operational standards, ongoing innovation, and a deeply embedded culture of fire safety that shapes both demand and development.

The presence of regulatory bodies like NFPA has standardized the design, performance, and maintenance of fire trucks, setting a global benchmark that influences manufacturing far beyond the region. North America is home to some of the world’s most experienced fire truck manufacturers Pierce, E-ONE, and Spartan, to name a few that consistently introduce cutting-edge features, from compressed air foam systems to autonomous navigation support and electric-powered engines. These advancements are often trialed and refined through close partnerships with large, well-funded fire departments, ensuring they’re grounded in real operational needs. Beyond technology, the scale of wildfires in the western U.S., hurricanes in the southeast, and large-scale industrial sites across the continent require a diverse range of trucks wildland units, urban engines, airport crash tenders all designed with highly specific capabilities. Moreover, North America’s emphasis on firefighter health and safety has accelerated the adoption of cleaner cabs, ergonomic controls, and advanced protective integration within vehicles. Procurement processes, particularly in the United States, are supported by federal grant programs like the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), which enable even small or volunteer departments to acquire advanced apparatus that would otherwise be unaffordable. This helps create a broad and varied customer base across the region, encouraging ongoing production and product refinement. In Canada, the situation mirrors the U.S. in many ways, with high safety standards and a decentralized fire service structure, but also a strong emphasis on cold-weather performance, leading to specialized modifications in design and function. Training institutions and fire academies across North America also contribute significantly by educating personnel not only in operational procedures but in understanding the capabilities and maintenance of complex fire trucks, which in turn feeds back into the development loop between users and manufacturers.

• In July 2024, Vietnam-based Vinh Phat Motors announced the launch of the SANDEUR S-100 fire pickup truck. The truck is equipped with basic firefighting equipment, including a water pump, water tank, foam tank, and equipment for rescue. The truck costs VND 1-1.2 billion (USD 39,331-47,198).
• In May 2023, Christchurch Airport bought its first Rosenbauer Electric Fire Truck for operation at Christchurch International Airport. Rosenbauer will manufacture the Rosenbauer RT ARFF (Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting) Fire Truck over the next 20 months and likely deliver it to the airport for use in 2025.
• In June 2023, the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) bolstered its Fire and Rescue fleet by introducing a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid electric heavy-duty fire truck. This state-of-the-art addition operates primarily on a fully electric drive system, setting a new standard for eco-friendly emergency response vehicles.
• In March 2023, SCANIA, one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, developed a hybrid solution for industrial and marine purposes, perfectly suited for airport fire trucks (ARFF). SCANIA’s solution allows the vehicle to do all kinds of daily basis operations electrically.

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