A natural gas leak outside a building at 3M’s Brownwood facility led to a plant-wide evacuation Wednesday afternoon, October 7, 2026. The Brownwood Fire Department said all employees were safe and that no injuries were reported.
The incident occurred at 3M Corporation, 4501 S. US 377, at 3:45 p.m., according to a Brownwood Fire Department press release issued Thursday. When firefighters arrived, the plant evacuation was already underway.
Employees evacuated while crews addressed the leak
3M said the leak was identified outside one of the buildings at its Brownwood facility. The company said it worked with the local gas provider and the Brownwood Fire Department to shut off the gas supply and evacuate employees safely.
“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.”
Atmos Energy personnel assessed and addressed the leak while Brownwood firefighters remained at the facility to provide fire and life-safety support. Fire units stayed on scene until 9:44 p.m. Wednesday.
Most operations returned Thursday
Employees were cleared to return, and most 3M departments had resumed normal operations by 11 a.m. Thursday, according to the statement provided to Brownwood News by 3M’s Human Resources Department shortly after 11 a.m.
The Brownwood Fire Department said its response included Chief 9, Chief 92, Chief 93, Truck 9, Engine 9 and Rescue 9. The department also credited 3M employees and management, Atmos Energy personnel and other responding personnel for cooperating to maintain a safe environment.
For residents who suspect a gas leak, the department advises moving immediately to a safe location, avoiding ignition sources and calling 911.