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Ross to launch red-flag signage program in July; Dan Mahoney confirmed as Ross Valley fire chief
Summary
The Ross Town Council heard a presentation on a new red-flag warning signage program and congratulated Dan Mahoney on his appointment as permanent Ross Valley Fire Department chief; the program includes four portable signs, increased checks of streets with access issues, and resident outreach via Alert Marin and Fire Safe Marin.
Ross — The Town of Ross will roll out a portable red-flag warning signage program this July and increase patrol checks on streets with access problems, the council heard Tuesday as the Ross Valley Fire Department outlined steps residents should take when the National Weather Service issues a red-flag warning.
Town and fire officials also recognized Dan Mahoney’s recent appointment as permanent fire chief for the Ross Valley Fire Department.
Town staff and Fire Department speakers described the signage program as a visible, day-of warning system: four portable signs will be placed at conspicuous, high-traffic locations identified by the department (the presentation listed the 40 Wellington area by the tree, Balenas Avenue at Glenwood, Lagunitas Road at Ross Common, Laurel Grove at Monte Allegro, and an additional sign by rangers at Natalie Coffin Green Park). The signs will be deployed on days when conditions meet the National Weather Service’s criteria for a red-flag warning and removed when the hazard subsides.
Chief Dan Mahoney summarized how the National Weather Service defines red-flag conditions: “It means there’s a potential for wildfire to spread rapidly due to weather and fuel conditions,” he said, citing the three principal factors fire services use: fuel moisture, relative humidity and sustained wind. Mahoney and other staff emphasized that temperature alone is not the determinative factor.
Officials urged residents to prepare before a red-flag warning by signing up for emergency alerts, creating defensible space, hardening their homes and identifying multiple evacuation routes. Handouts and checklists referenced in the presentation were made available and staff pointed residents to Fire Safe Marin and the Alert Marin registration page for step-by-step guidance.
On operations, Mahoney said crews will increase drive-through checks of streets known to have vehicle or access constraints on red-flag days and asked residents to call non-emergency lines to report blocked or narrow access so staff can address the problem. The department also plans to rely on social media and the town’s channels to share warnings in addition to the new signs.
The council briefly questioned notification methods; staff confirmed the town will issue email notices and use social media channels in addition to the road signs. The town’s routine bulletin (the “morning after” newsletter) will include an item about the program.
The presentation closed with formal recognition of Dan Mahoney’s appointment as chief by the Ross Valley Fire Board. One speaker congratulated him and noted his service as interim chief prior to the appointment.
Next steps: the department will begin placing signage and distributing preparedness materials ahead of the summer fire season. Residents seeking more information were directed to firesafemarin.org and local Alert Marin registration pages.
