Blog

Walk-In vs. Walk-Around Rescue Units: What You Need to Know

In addition to the pumpers and the tankers, almost every department has a rescue unit, which is basically a toolbox on wheels. It brings all of the required equipment to the scene, and it can also be used as transportation for firefighters to the location from the fire hall.

It’s important to know that there are two main types of rescues to consider: a “walk-in” and a “walk-around.”

Walk-In Rescues

When your department is working at a scene, having all of your equipment readily available and easily accessible is key. The spacious interior of a walk-in rescue is configured with numerous cabinets and workstations to accommodate the various tasks your team needs to perform in the line of duty. When tailored to [...]

Steps Required to Build a Custom Fire Truck

It’s time to replace a fire truck and you’re considering a custom build. There is a lot to consider. Below are a few tips to review before making a final decision.

First, you must determine your budget. Is this doable this year? What exactly will you require for the new apparatus? The more components you want to add, the more expensive it will get. Think carefully, make a checklist, and review it with your accountant.

Next, review the truck you are replacing. It’s an older model, so it won’t have all of the latest state-of-the-art equipment; however, it has been reliable for a number of years. What do you like about it? What do you dislike? And what needs to be updated or [...]

 Metalfab Gives Back through Curling Sponsorships

As a community-oriented company, Metalfab is always looking for ways to give back. In fact, we consider every purchase of one of our fire trucks as a partnership between Metalfab and the region that buys the unit. Curling sponsorships are just one way we try to give back to these various communities and customers.

Currently, we are sponsoring three firefighter curling provincial associations, and we are sponsoring the 2023 Canadian Firefighters’ Championship: Firefighter Provincial Curling Championships in Charlottetown/Montague, PE.

It really takes a special type of person to be willing to risk his or her life to save others. Because of this, the camaraderie that exists between fellow firefighters is something not seen in any other profession or association. and the kinship between these men and women [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]