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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.

Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect the communities, facing various risks in their line of duty. To ensure safety, it's crucial that the gear remains in top-notch condition.  3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material, Series 5680 Fire Coat Comfort Trim, plays a significant role in enhancing visibility during firefighting operations. However, like any other equipment, wear and tear may occur over time, necessitating proper inspection and repairs. Here are some ways to tell when it’s time for replacement. Wear Patterns These patterns, along with buckles or minor lifting, may or may not require immediate repair Buckling and lifting of segments in reflective material are relatively rare but can occur, especially during use in a fire. Other wear patterns may include corner damage or minor abrasions. These patterns, along with buckles or minor lifting, may or may not require immediate repair. According to NFPA 1851 guidelines, the verified Independent Service Provider (ISP) has the discretion to determine whether these wear patterns need repair. Process of re-lamination In cases where buckles or lifted segments are identified during routine service, re-laminating these segments is recommended. The process of re-lamination restores the reflective material's functionality and appearance, ensuring that it continues to serve its intended purpose effectively.  For larger buckles, re-lamination may create a hard wrinkle on the reflective material. Although this doesn't significantly affect reflectivity, the department might prefer to replace the affected segments entirely for esthetic reasons. Looking Ahead The manufacturers of the gear and its components hold the final authority on the proper repair Fires involve the combustion of various materials, releasing toxic substances into the air. When they enter burning structures or fight wildfires, they're exposed to a toxic cocktail of gases, particulate matter, and harmful chemicals. Inhaling these substances can lead to acute and long-term health effects. It's essential that any repairs should be carried out in line with the requirements of NFPA 1851 and under the guidance of the garment manufacturer or a verified ISP. The manufacturers of the gear and its components hold the final authority on the proper repair of wear or damage to the supplied gear. 3M™ Scotchlite™ Technical Service Gear Wash understands wear patterns and knows when and how to carry out repairs. It is essential for maintaining the gear's performance and ensuring firefighter safety. By following NFPA 1851 and collaborating with 3M, they can ensure that the department has the best protection possible while serving the communities. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and properly maintained gear is a small but significant step in safeguarding those who protect them. For further questions, users can contact their local 3M™ Scotchlite™ Technical Service, or at Gear Wash.

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.”