BrownwoodNews.com received the following emailed statement from 3M Human Resources Department shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday: "On Wednesday, a natural gas leak was identified outside a building at 3M's Brownwood facility. In coordination with the local gas provider and the Brownwood Fire Department, the gas supply was shut off, and all employees were safely evacuated from the facility. At 3M, the safety and health of all our employees and safety of the community is our top priority." Most 3M departments resumed normal operations by 11 a.m. Thursday.

The Brownwood Fire Department also issued the following press release at 10:30 a.m. Thursday: The Brownwood Fire Department responded to 4501 S. US 377, 3M Corporation, at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following a reported gas leak at the facility.

Upon arrival, plant evacuation was already in progress.