The New Salem Volunteer Fire Department was established and incorporated in April of 1978 and is located at 18562 FM 839S in Rusk County. The department has a member status of of 12 with 5 active volunteer fire fighters.

The department has 2 brush/grass trucks both of which have Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) and carry 400 gallons of water; one rescue truck with a CAFS system carrying 400 gallons of water in addition to an air bag lifting system and JAWS; a Pierce engine with a 1500 GPM pump and a CAFS system with 1000 gallons of water; and a 3000 gallon water tender. The Department covers a 53 square mile radius and runs mutual aid with the Carlisle, Laneville, Reklaw, and Mount Enterprise Volunteer Fire Departments.

The department meets monthly on the last Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. at the Washburn Building in New Salem. They also hold an annual fish fry the 2nd Saturday in December at the Washburn Building that includes an auction of home baked goods.

In 2025, the New Salem VFD broke ground on a new facility on the ground of the former New Salem School.  This modernized facility will better serve our community for decades to come.