About Us

Organization

Ross Valley Fire Department is a consolidated department with the mission of protecting lives, property and the environments of Ross, San Anselmo, Sleepy Hollow and Fairfax through education, prevention and community service while working together in a professional and caring manner that is fair, honest respectful and ethical.  Our Fire Department continues a tradition of fire protection in the Ross Valley dating back more than 100 years.

Geography

Ross, San Anselmo, Fairfax, and Sleepy Hollow are located in a narrow valley that runs from the southeast to the northwest. The main travel artery that runs through the valley is Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. In the late 1800’s the area was served by a railroad that allowed residents to travel to and from the San Francisco area. The former railroad line is now Center Boulevard and several of the intersections are former railroad stops.

Ross, Fairfax and San Anselmo have small but well developed commercial areas along and adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in the valley floor. Residential neighborhoods extend from the valley floor in all directions. Sleepy Hollow is an unincorporated residential neighborhood that extends north from San Anselmo along Butterfield Road. There are some small areas or islands of county land adjacent to both San Anselmo and Fairfax.

There are no highways through the valley and traffic concerns can affect emergency responses during commute hours. Ross Valley is bordered by the City of San Rafael to the east and northeast and by the Town of Ross to the southeast. The remainder of the land surrounding the valley is undeveloped wildland, watershed, or dedicated open space. These areas are utilized primarily for recreational activities and conservation.