Newman Lake Fire & Rescue began in 1949 when citizens of the community had to watch the Woehrle home burn due to the lack of water to extinguish the flames. A meeting was organized after that and a fund was established to begin a fire department, the Tri-Community Grange became a sponsor. By late 1951, $2,000 had been raised to purchase a fire truck. The first fire apparatus was a 1941 Ford Pumper with a 500 gallon tank purchased from Spokane Valley Fire District #1.  

Volunteer labor (over 200 man hours) built the first fire station at Cherokee Landing. The station contained a bell, siren and small wood stove.  

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