The Rideau Lakes Fire Department was formed upon the creation of the Township of Rideau Lakes in 1998. The Township was formed through the amalgamation of the Townships of North Crosby, South Crosby, Bastard & South Burgess and South Elmsley with the village of Newboro. The Village of Westport is not part of the municipality but is part of the fire department. The northeastern portion of the municipality is protected by the Smiths Falls Fire Department.