Spotlight Product: Automatic Traction Chains

Fire departments don’t have the option when their pagers go off to wait until icy roads thaw out. They need to respond quickly and safely. Automatic traction (or snow) chains are an option that assists firefighters to get to their calls safely. This is an extremely valuable option, especially for departments located in the northern regions.

Here’s the concept behind the product: they are chains that can be deployed to run under the tires of a truck to allow them to stay put on icy roads. Moreover, there are many different manufacturers such as OnSpot, InstaChain, and Rudd, to name a few.

The good news is these chains are easy to use. With a simple push of a button, the fire truck’s automatic traction chains are activated. An electric switch [...]

In New Brunswick, Grand Falls Fire Department Chief Charles Kavanaugh grew up half a block from the local fire hall and remembers running outside every time he heard the fire alarm. “I’d run up to the corner to see which direction [the trucks] were going,” the chief recalls. At the age of eight, he started hanging out at the fire hall to watch the firefighters in action. “I guess I never really left,” he exclaims.

Kavanaugh has been with Grand Falls for over 40 years. He was made deputy chief 20 years ago and became chief in 2008.

Because he’s spent so much of his life with the department, he says his favorite aspect of the job is getting to meet so many new people who later become good friends. “I especially [...]

The Decision to Winterize Your Fire Truck

Our Metalfab experts are often faced with questions by customers regarding the best way to winterize a fire truck. We tell them that pumps can be run either “wet” or “dry” over the colder season, and there are pros and cons to each approach while still maximizing the life expectancy of your equipment. It’s important to remember that there is no “right way” for winter preparation, but to ensure your apparatus is fully functional, preventative maintenance before and during cold weather is crucial. Some departments do get an early start, taking precautions far in advance of cold weather to get their trucks ready, while others take it one day at a time and succeed in getting through the winter intact. Of course, each decision depends [...]

Doing Our Part for a Green New Brunswick

Metalfab has joined Green Economy New Brunswick (GENB), a newly launched resource, to support New Brunswick businesses in becoming stronger and more resilient while taking action on climate change. For over 50 years, Metalfab has been providing the tools and resources fire departments need in order for them to make the right investment for their communities. Metalfab takes pride in helping their fire department customers while working within their community’s budget.

“Joining Green Economy New Brunswick was seen as an extension of the value of partnership, as we need to ensure we do our share to protect the environment,” said Ryan Stacey, Business Development & Marketing Manager.

GENB provides a variety of tools and resources, peer learning events, one-on-one support, and public recognition to [...]

The Vestal Fire Department: Always Ready to Serve

Though just 50 square miles in size, the Town of Vestal, New York, boasts a mighty profile. It is home to Binghamton University, which draws visitors to the area through its entertainment and sporting events. The university itself adds thousands of students to the town and employs more than 3,000 faculty and staff. In addition to protecting this celebrated educational institution, the Vestal Fire Department covers two major adult care facilities as well as light commercial, retail, and residential areas.

Fire Chief John Paffie has been a dedicated member of the Vestal Fire Department since 1984. He became assistant chief in 2010 and was promoted to chief in 2020. Paffie says, jokingly, he didn’t have a choice on whether to join: “It runs [...]

It’s Fire Prevention Week – Plan Ahead

Fire Prevention Week, October 9–15, is a good time to remind us to be prepared in the event of a fire in our home. This year, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) is celebrating 100 years of keeping you and your loved ones safe with their tips, service, and educational materials. The 2022 theme—“Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”—was devised to educate people about simple but effective actions to take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

Just a few easy steps will get you ready just in case an emergency occurs. First and foremost, plan and practice your own home fire escape route. You should prepare everyone in advance of what to do if and when that [...]

Metalfab Ltd. to Sponsor Maritime Junior Hockey League Playoffs

Metalfab Ltd. is pleased to announce we have signed a multi-year agreement with the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) to be the title sponsor of the league’s playoffs and the championship trophy beginning in the current 2022–23 season.

“Metalfab is extremely excited to be able to give back to several communities across the Maritimes through our new partnership with the MHL,” says Metalfab Ltd. Business Development Manager Ryan Stacey. “As both the MHL and Metalfab are community-minded organizations, this partnership is a great fit. It is a great honor for us to be able to watch teams vie for the Metalfab MHL Cup.”

The league’s twelve teams will now compete for the Metalfab MHL Cup, with the Metalfab MHL Cup Playoffs beginning in mid-March. Four [...]

Why Your Truck Needs the Air Primer

An air primer might not sound like the most exciting piece of firefighting equipment but having the right one for your apparatus during an emergency call can literally mean the difference between life and death.

There are different types of air primers for fire trucks available. The one you choose may depend on the types of calls you’re responding to and the specific needs of your department.

What Is Priming?

Priming is the process of replacing air in the intake lines and portions of the pump with water. If the pump is to be operated from draft, priming must be done by means of a positive displacement pump or some other device for creating a partial vacuum. Also, when pumping from a water tank, priming will be accomplished more quickly and [...]

The Distinguished US History of Metalfab

Metalfab is celebrating 55 years of serving the fire industry throughout Canada and the northeastern United States. In business since 1967, we have been providing the tools and resources fire departments need in order for them to make the right investment for their communities.

Metalfab founder Donald Green began in the fire truck manufacturing business by building fire trucks for communities in New Brunswick. We then expanded into Maine and Nova Scotia.

The very first truck we sold in Maine was in 1986. It was a pumper purchased by the South Bristol Fire Department. That brings back memories! Our second truck was sold in Wayne, Maine—a pumper built on a GMC Chassis.

Our next big milestone was in 1996 when the Ryegate Fire [...]