MetalFab Blog
Generations On Call: Fire Chief Jason Shand And Woods Harbour Shag Harbour’s Commitment To Community
Rooted In A Coastal Community For Fire Chief Jason Shand, service to the Woods Harbour Shag Harbour Volunteer Fire Department is inseparable from service to home. A lifelong resident of the area, Shand helps protect a rural fishing community of just under 2,000 people spread across Woods Harbour, Shag Harbour, and the surrounding coastline. At…
Spec’ing Your Next Fire Truck: Common Mistakes Departments Can Avoid
Purchasing a new fire truck is one of the most significant investments a fire department will make. From the initial planning stages to the day the apparatus enters service, every decision has a lasting impact on firefighter safety, operational efficiency, and long-term value. Developing specifications is about more than choosing a pump, tank size, or…
Why Custom Fire Truck Design Matters for Modern Fire Departments
No two fire departments operate exactly the same way. Response areas, staffing levels, equipment requirements, road conditions, and call types vary significantly from one department to the next. That is why a one-size-fits-all approach to apparatus design often creates compromises that affect efficiency, safety, and long-term performance. A custom fire truck allows departments to build…
Summer Fire Safety: Preparing Your Department and Community for Increased Seasonal Risk
Summer brings longer days, community events, outdoor activities, and unfortunately, an increase in fire-related risks. From brush fires and recreational fires to increased road traffic and extreme heat, fire departments often experience a shift in call volume and response demands during the warmer months. While every community faces unique challenges, preparation is key. Taking proactive…
How Fire Departments Can Reduce Apparatus Downtime
Every hour that a fire truck is out of service can affect a department’s ability to respond quickly. Whether the cause is a mechanical issue, delayed maintenance, or aging equipment, apparatus downtime puts added pressure on both crews and operations. Reducing downtime starts long before a truck is placed into service. It starts with thoughtful…
What Fire Departments Should Consider Before Expanding Their Fleet
As communities grow and emergency response needs evolve, many fire departments reach a point where they need to evaluate whether their current fleet can continue meeting operational demands. Increased call volumes, new developments, and changing service areas are all factors that can place additional pressure on existing apparatus. Adding a new fire truck is a…
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