3M Scott Fire & Safety - Experts & Thought Leaders

Firefighters fought to maintain the upper hand on a huge and rapidly moving wildfire that swept through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles and resulted in more than 50,000 people being put under evacuation orders or warnings. The Hughes Fire broke out late Wednesday morning and, in less than a day, had charred nearly 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) of trees and brush near Castaic Lake, a popular recreation area about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that are burning for a third week. Warning for critical fire risk Though the region was under a red flag warning for critical fire risk, winds were not as fast as they had been when those fires broke out, allowing for firefighting aircraft to dump tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant on the latest blaze. By Wednesday night, about 14% of the Hughes Fire had been contained. “The situation that we’re in today is very different from the situation we were in 16 days ago,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Wednesday evening. Palisades and Eaton fires Red flag warnings were extended through 10 a.m. Friday in LA and Ventura counties Red flag warnings were extended through 10 a.m. Friday in LA and Ventura counties. Officials remained concerned that the Palisades and Eaton fires could break their containment lines as firefighters continue watching for hot spots. An evacuation warning was issued for Sherman Oaks after a brush fire broke out on the Sepulveda Pass near the I-405 Freeway. The blaze was first reported just after 11 p.m. Wednesday, but the Los Angeles Fire Department announced early Thursday that forward progress had been stopped at about 40 acres (16 hectares) and the evacuation warning was lifted. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported, fire officials said, but firefighters remained at the scene. Water-dropping aircraft More than 31,000 people have been ordered to evacuate from the Hughes Fire, and another 23,000 are under evacuation warnings, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said. There were no reports of homes or other structures burned. Parts of Interstate 5 near the Hughes Fire that had been closed reopened Wednesday evening. A 30-mile (48-kilometer) stretch of the major north-south artery had been closed for emergency vehicles, to move equipment and to prevent accidents due to smoke billowing across it. Crews on the ground and in water-dropping aircraft tried to prevent the wind-driven fire from moving across the interstate and toward Castaic. Fire retardant on the south side of the fire Aircraft crews were able to drop fire retardant on the south side of the fire Marrone said that because winds were not as strong as they were two weeks ago, aircraft crews were able to drop fire retardant on the south side of the fire, where the flames were moving, he said. More than 4,000 firefighters were assigned to the fire, he said. Winds in the area were gusting at 42 mph (67 kph) in the afternoon. They had reached as high as 65 mph (105 KPH) in some mountain pockets by Wednesday night, according to David Roth, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Castaic’s Stonegate neighborhood Kayla Amara drove to Castaic’s Stonegate neighborhood to collect items from the home of a friend who had rushed to pick up her daughter at preschool. As Amara was packing the car, she learned the fire had exploded in size and decided to hose down the property. “Other people are hosing down their houses, too. I hope there’s a house here to return to,” Amara said as police cars raced through the streets and flames engulfed trees on a hillside in the distance. Amara, a nurse who lives in nearby Valencia, said she’s been on edge for weeks as major blazes devastated Southern California. “It’s been stressful with those other fires, but now that this one is close to home it’s just super stressful,” she said. Fire-impacted communities Fire crews were filling sandbags for communities while county workers installed barriers To the south, Los Angeles officials began to prepare for potential rain even as some residents were allowed to return to the charred Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas. Gusty weather was expected to last through Thursday and precipitation was possible starting Saturday, according to the weather service. “Rains are in the forecast and the threat of mud and debris flow in our fire-impacted communities is real,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger said during a Wednesday morning news conference. Fire crews were filling sandbags for communities while county workers installed barriers and cleared drainage pipes and basins. Latest Santa Ana wind event Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned that winds could carry ash and advised Angelenos to visit the city’s website to learn how to protect themselves from toxic air during the latest Santa Ana wind event. LA County public health director Barbara Ferrer cautioned that the ash could contain heavy metals, arsenic and other harmful materials. “Even a brief exposure can potentially cause skin irritation and lead to more serious problems,” Ferrer said Wednesday, asking people to wear protective gear while cleaning up. Victims of wildfires Containment of the Palisades Fire reached 70%, and the Eaton Fire was at 95% California Republicans are pushing back against suggestions by President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans that federal disaster aid for victims of wildfires should come with strings attached. Trump plans to visit the state to see the damage firsthand Friday, but it wasn’t clear whether he and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will meet during the visit. The low humidity, bone-dry vegetation and strong winds came as firefighters continued battling the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures since they broke out Jan. 7. Containment of the Palisades Fire reached 70%, and the Eaton Fire was at 95%. Causes of the fires Luna said Wednesday his department was still investigating 22 active missing person reports in both fire zones. All reported missing are adults, he said. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is investigating the causes of the fires but has not released any findings. Several lawsuits have been filed by people who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire, alleging Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked the blaze. On Tuesday, a judge overseeing one of the lawsuits ordered the utility to produce data from circuits in the area where the fire started.

Command™ Brand has partnered with actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth to kick off a nationwide call for nominations to celebrate the merrymakers in their lives. Just in time for the holiday season, consumers can share a bit of magic by nominating the person in their life who goes the extra mile to deliver and spread cheer to others. One lucky winner will receive $25,000, a $1,000 gift card for holiday decor and a Command Brand Holiday Product Package – fit with everything needed to hang holiday decorations on walls, doors, windows, mantles, and more. Providing endless ways "During the holiday season, people want to feel like they're living in a magical holiday movie -- and they should," said Chenoweth. "Twinkling lights and tons of decoration or your favorite songs and mugs of warm cocoa – however you celebrate, it should be filled with joy and whimsical moments. I am thrilled to partner with Command Brand as their Partner in Cheer and to help bring a little extra sparkle into the life of a very special merrymaker." Command Brand provides endless ways to hang, hook, display and decorate during the holidays Command Brand provides endless ways to hang, hook, display and decorate during the holidays – with products that don't require tools, hold strongly and remove cleanly with no holes or sticky residue left behind when the holidays are over. The brand knows the holidays are more joyful when people can decorate with ease, not worry about damage and focus on the things that really matter during the season. very special merrymaker "People love to go big during the holiday season decorating inside and out but don't want to worry about how they get it done or any potential eyesores left behind when the decorations come down," said Tate Galvin, Vice President, Home Improvement, for 3M. "Command Brand gives consumers the freedom to explore new ways to express their love for all of the holidays and decorating moments this season," Galvin said. "No matter how big and bold you go, our products are engineered to go up and come down damage-free." Exploring new ways To go all out this holiday season, Command Brand shares these essential products: Command™ Outdoor Hooks perfect for hanging wreaths, signs, or other decorations (weighing up to 5 pounds) on a variety of smooth outdoor surfaces, such as doors, siding or trim. Command™ Outdoor Light Clips brighten up the interiors and exteriors of the spaces without damaging the walls and surfaces. Command™ Clear Hooks clear hooks help the décor be the star; they blend seamlessly into wherever they choose to hang. Like all Command™ Products, they come off cleanly when the holidays are over, leaving no holes, marks or sticky residue, allowing users to hang all of their favorite decorations with no worries. Command™ Hooks made to match the individual holiday style helping users hang it all; from stockings, to décor, to wreaths and more. Command™ Cord Bundlers help hang garland to the mantle or mitigate tangled cords behind the Christmas trees without damaging the walls and surfaces. Upcoming holiday concerts Chenoweth, Command Brand's Partner in Cheer, is an Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer known for spreading joy through her holiday performances, Christmas albums and her warm and jovial spirit. She is currently in rehearsals for her next Broadway show, ‘Queen of Versailles’, set to premiere in 2025. She is also rehearsing for her upcoming holiday concerts across the country this holiday season. To nominate someone who always makes the holidays magical for others, follow and comment on Command's pinned post on Instagram.com/Command and tag that merrymaker in the life deserves the chance to win.

3M has announced the appointment of Bryan C. Hanson as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the independent health care company, when it is spun off from 3M. Bryan Hanson will join 3M on Sept. 1 as CEO of the Health Care Business Group. Hanson comes to 3M from Zimmer Biomet, a global MedTech innovator with annual revenue of more than US$ 7 billion. He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2017, and Chairman since 2021. Extensive industry experience Bryan Hanson is a proven executive with a track record of successfully leading, growing, and transforming global medical device businesses to achieve greater innovation, commercial success, and driving value for customers, patients, and shareholders. “We are pleased to have Bryan join us to successfully complete the spin-off of our Health Care business and build a leading independent medical technology innovation company,” said Mike Roman, 3M Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), adding “His industry expertise, ability to drive growth, and track record of building a strong culture and teams will make an immediate impact.” New CEO of 3M’s Health Care Business Group 3M’s Health Care Business Group, with US$ 8.4 billion in sales in 2022, is a diversified health care technology group with a deep and diverse portfolio of trusted brands, global capabilities, and leadership in attractive end market segments such as wound care, oral care, health care IT, and biopharma filtration. I am honored and excited to join 3M's Health Care Business Group at such an important time" As a standalone business, Health Care will be well-positioned to deliver industry-leading innovation that enables better, smarter, and safer health care for patients worldwide. “I am honored and excited to join 3M's Health Care Business Group at such an important time in its evolution,” said Bryan Hanson, adding “I have a deep respect and admiration for what 3M has built in health care – strong brands, quality products, commercial excellence, and customer-driven innovation.” Build on legacy of leadership and medical innovation Bryan Hanson continues, “I look forward to working with the team to more deeply understand and realize the potential of our business, as we accelerate our path forward, and build on a legacy of trusted leadership and medical innovation.” Prior to joining Zimmer Biomet, Bryan Hanson was Executive Vice President and President of Medtronic's Minimally Invasive Therapies Group, where he oversaw and provided strategic direction to an approximately US$ 9 billion business. Served in a number of executive roles Prior to Medtronic, he served in a number of executive roles of increasing responsibility at Covidien. In 2013, he was named Group President of Covidien’s Medical Devices business. In 2011, as Surgical Solutions Group President, Hanson transformed two of Covidien’s largest divisions — Energy-based Devices and Surgical Devices — into one global business unit. Bryan Hanson serves on the Board of Directors of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Bryan Hanson serves on the Board of Directors of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. He also serves on the board of the Advanced Medical Technology Association, is a member of its International Board Committee and Chairs the China subcommittee. He is a Director Emeritus of the Americares Board of Directors, an emergency response and global health organization committed to saving lives and building healthier futures for people in crisis. Carrie Cox named Chairman of the Board of Directors 3M also announced that Carrie Cox, a Health Care Industry Veteran, will serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the independent Health Care Company. Cox currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Organon, and on the Boards of Directors of Cardinal Health, Selecta BioSciences, and Texas Instruments. She previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Humacyte, which she joined in 2010. She also served for 10 years on the board of Celgene (2009-2018) until its sale to Bristol-Myers Squibb. Wide medical industry experience Carrie Cox spent her early career at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals (now Novartis) in a variety of commercial roles. She was later President of Global Prescription Business at Schering-Plough, Senior Vice President of Global Business Management at Pharmacia & Upjohn, as well as Vice President of Women's Health Care at Wyeth-Ayerst. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Carrie is an ideal choice to lead the Board as Health Care becomes an independent company" “Carrie is an experienced leader with a deep understanding of health care across different sectors of the industry,” said Mike Roman, adding “She has been serving as an advisor to 3M, and played a key role in the selection process of Bryan as CEO. Carrie is an ideal choice to lead the Board as Health Care becomes an independent company.” “I am grateful to Mike and the 3M Board of Directors for this opportunity to help shape and lead a health care company that builds on the best of 3M and has the flexibility to invest in future growth opportunities,” said Carrier Cox, adding “I look forward to working with Bryan and the team to create value for customers and patients around the world.” Monish Patolawala appointed 3M President and CFO Monish Patolawala is appointed 3M President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Sept. 1. In this role, he will add responsibility for executing country prioritization and country governance to his current responsibilities which include leadership of finance, information technology, office for separation management for the upcoming spin off of Health Care, office for project management as the company executes on announced actions, enterprise strategy, and 3M's global service centers.   “This appointment strengthens our leadership of the strategic priorities that will improve our performance and build a stronger 3M,” said Mike Roman, adding “Monish is a key leader in our transformation, and I am confident in his leadership as we work together to deliver on our commitments to our customers and shareholders.”

North America’s largest fire event, FDIC International, brings together more than 34,000 fire industry professionals this month (April 8-13) at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. First constructed in 1928, FDIC continues today in its original tradition of providing a forum for networking about the most vexing issues and sharing the most promising solutions to concerns that face the fire service. FDIC provides opportunities to learn new techniques, train alongside world-class leaders, and advance discussions among the most influential firefighters in the industry. FDIC allows practitioners and those who support the industry an opportunity to discuss frankly the latest developments in equipment and support and collaborate on how those new advancements can be best used. 27 Interactive H.O.T Sessions FDIC offers many opportunities for learning and training, starting with its 27 interactive Hands-on Training (H.O.T) sessions“FDIC is steadfastly dedicated to its fundamental principle of providing a non-ideological, non-affiliated and openly inclusive environment for sharing and collaborating among all members interested in the mission of the fire service,” says Chief Bobby Halton, Editorial Director, Clarion Fire Rescue Group, and Educational Director, FDIC International. “Whether their interests lie in operations, medical or fire, in administration, in the production and distribution of equipment, or the advancement of codes and standards, all opinions and worldviews are accepted and debated with the utmost respect and dignity.” FDIC offers many opportunities for learning and training, starting with its 27 interactive Hands-on Training (H.O.T) sessions, 78 pre-conference workshops and more than 200 conference sessions. FDIC’s immersive learning experience extends to the exhibit hall floor and outdoor demonstration area where attendees can see and try the latest products, equipment, services and technology from over 800 exhibiting companies. “FDIC is more important than ever to the fire service industry because it is now and will always be of the firefighters, for the firefighters, and about the firefighters,” says Halton. Events Co-Located With FDIC New this year, iWomen is co-locating their event at FDIC, which includes 14 timely classroom sessions spread over two days, as well as networking events geared at sharing challenges and insights in a supportive environment. Also, the Institution of Fire Engineers United States of America Branch is co-locating their AGM annual meeting and educational update at FDIC. And the National Fire Heritage Center has partnered with FDIC to promote the center, conduct its annual meeting and introduce the annual inductees into the Hall of Legends.  FDIC is more important than ever to the fire service industry because it is now and will always be of the firefighters, for the firefighters, and about the firefighters FDIC’s new MATCH! Program is a customized meeting experience that connects attending decision makers, who have an immediacy to purchase, with exhibitors whose products or services match their sourcing needs and interests. These VIP attendees can make the most efficient use of their time by accessing innovative matchmaking technology and a personal program manager to assist them with meeting scheduling and recommendations. Exhibitors At The Event FDIC’s Mobile App is a visitor’s guide to searching the exhibitor list, navigating the exhibit hall and seeing a full schedule of sessions and events. FDIC’s new parking partner, Gate Ten Events and Parking, allows visitors to reserve their parking space ahead of time. Large exhibitors headlining the Exhibit Hall include Pierce; Rev Fire Group, E-ONE, KME, Ferrara and REV Ambulance; 3M Scott Fire and Safety; and HME Ahrens-Fox. Other large exhibitors include Honeywell First Responder Products, Drager, Globe by MSA, Rosenbauer and Spartan Motors. Here are some of the timely themes covered at this year’s conference: Current updates on the development and implementation of science-based strategy and tactics Information and practices on mental health and wellness Leading advances in firefighting technology and managing an integration of technology into the decision-making process during operations Review of recent sentinel events in the fire service from actual participants Analysis of accident investigation from members of NIOSH and the CDC Updates on current research into toxicity in the environment and equipment Current thoughts on decontamination procedures presented by researchers and practitioners The value of belongingness as a tool for health and wellness, suicide prevention, a detailed examination of the sociotechnical interface and firefighting’s role going forward The complex political and operational dilemmas faced in the wildland urban interface Recruitment and retention for the volunteer fire service Networking Opportunities Abound The event takes over the city, and there are chances to network with peers everywhere they turnAt FDIC, networking starts the moment attendees arrive in town. The event takes over the city, and there are chances to network with peers everywhere they turn. Formal networking events are also organized, including the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Courage and Valor 5K Fun Run, Comedy vs. Cancer, IFD Open House and Pumper Pull, Stop Drop Rock ‘n’ Roll and more.  “We want individuals to walk away feeling inspired by new ideas, tools or techniques they’ve learned in sessions or new products or services they’ve sourced on the show floor that ultimately keep them and their communities safe,” says Halton.

The original fire suppression agent has always been, of course, water. In the age of sail, it was ideal. Not so with the advent of the combustion engine, however. When applied to burning petroleum, the fire spreads. It also simply destroys electronics. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Halon derivatives were the first widely used commercial fire suppression solutions, gaining popularity in the 1950s and '60s. Unlike water, they were highly effective, electrically non-conductive and didn't leave any residue. As compressed gases, storage wasn't a major issue. Unfortunately, Halon was found to be a high ozone depleting chemical; as a result, production was banned in 1990. Evolution Of Fire Suppression Systems Ideal for marine applications, HFC227 is fast, effective and clean With the sunsetting of Halon and the search for alternatives, CO2 gained prominence. However, it has three significant drawbacks: it's a greenhouse gas, requires a large number of cylinders and is potentially fatal if breathed at design concentrations. In the 1990s, HFCs rose to dominance as a fire suppression solution. Ideal for marine applications, HFC227 is fast, effective and clean. Like Halon and CO2, however, it's a greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming. Discharging an average-sized cylinder of HFC227 has the same CO2 equivalent as driving a car 268,760 kilometers. This is why it is being eliminated as part of a phased-down mandate from the EU, and restricted or taxed by various countries such as Australia and Norway. It is expected that similar legislation will begin to affect Canada and US-flagged vessels. Environmental Profile Of HFCs In 2002, 3M introduced Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid. It offers a number of important advantages over other clean agents in marine fire suppression applications. It has low acute toxicity and high extinguishing efficiency. This gives it a wide margin of safety compared to other chemical clean agents such as HFC227. A fluid, it vaporizes rapidly during discharge, is non-corrosive, non-conductive and leaves no residue. It is, importantly, a long-term, sustainable solution with virtually zero global warming potential, e.g., it has an atmospheric life of about a week versus HFC227's 34 years. So confident is 3M of its product, it offers its BlueSkySM Warranty; if it is ever banned or restricted from use due to its environmental properties, the company will refund the cost of the fluid. Unlike CO2, a gas, Novec 1230 fluid can be flown to the vessel or platform allowing less downtime waiting for supplies to arrive by ground For the marine and offshore oil and gas industries, Novec 1230 fluid offers distinct advantages. Because it's a fluid, recharging is simple. Unlike CO2, a gas, it can be flown to the vessel or platform. This means less downtime waiting for supplies to arrive by ground. It also takes up significantly less space. Recently, Sea-Fire Europe ceased distribution of HFC227. The move was strategic and ethical, given the environmental profile of HFCs. Novec 1230 Fluid For Recreational Marine Market With the phase-down of HFCs, supplies are running out. This means in the immediate future there will be a serious inability to service systems. Also, with shortages beginning, costs are rising, making the switch to Novec 1230 fluid a smart move financially. While 3M will obviously benefit from this, the real winner here is our planet and the people we share it with" Sea-Fire recognizes that it may lose business in the short term as boat and shipbuilders continue to choose HFC-based fire systems strictly based on cost alone. But, ultimately, eliminating the use of hydrofluorocarbons is the right thing to do for the marine industry as a whole. As the first manufacturer to introduce Novec 1230 fluid into the recreational marine market in 2012, Sea-Fire is fully prepared for the phase-out of HFCs. Benefitting The Marine Industry "As a corporation, 3M is committed to improving every life," said David Olds, 3M account executive for fire suppression applications. "Sea-Fire Europe made a difficult decision when announcing it would cease distribution of HFC227. While 3M will obviously benefit from this, the real winner here is our planet and the people we share it with." Sea-Fire Marine has long held the belief that it is in the business of protecting people and property at sea. With its recent declaration that its master European distributor Sea-Fire Europe is ending distribution of HFC-based fire suppression fluids, it can add the environment to its list.