Share this @internewscast.com

Xcel Energy facilities “appear to have been involved in an ignition” of a giant wildfire that blazed across the Texas Panhandle last month, the company said in a statement Thursday.

The cause of the Smokehouse Creek fire — the biggest in state history, burning well over 1 million acres — is still under investigation by Texas officials, but the utility company said it is also conducting its own review.

The company did not provide additional details on how it came to the determination, but said it was based on “currently available information.”

“Xcel Energy disputes claims that it acted negligently in maintaining and operating its infrastructure; however, we encourage people who had property destroyed by or livestock lost in the Smokehouse Creek fire to submit a claim to Xcel Energy through our claims process,” the statement said.

Claims filed to the company will be handled expeditiously, prioritizing those who lost their homes in the fire, the company said.

Texas A&M Forest Service say last week’s Smokehouse Creek fire was the largest blaze in state history, burning more than 1,059,570 acres. Two people were killed in the blaze and authorities estimated roughly 500 structures were destroyed as a result.

Utility companies in recent years have been accused of sparking major wildfires in both Hawaii and California. Last year, residents filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric for years of negligence and failing to shut down its power system before harsh winds hit Maui.

Hawaiian Electric acknowledged a down power line started a fire, according to The Associated Press, but blamed firefighters for leaving the scene and declaring it contained before a second wildfire broke out and spread to the city of Lahaina, killing at least 115 people.

California’s Pacific Gas and Electric Co. agreed to pay $13.5 billion in damages to wildfire victims in 2019, after residents filed suits against the company in connection to four fatal fires across three years. The fires covered by the settlement included the 2015 Butte fire, the 2016 Ghost Ship fire, the 2017 Tubbs fire and the 2018 Camp fire.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Wanda Barzee, one of Elizabeth Smart's captors, arrested on alleged sex offender violation

Wanda Barzee, Captor of Elizabeth Smart, Arrested for Alleged Sex Offender Violation

Wanda Barzee, known for her involvement in the abduction of Elizabeth Smart…
As Trump pares back ocean protections, California weighs expanding them

With Trump Reducing Ocean Safeguards, California Considers Increasing Them

CHANNEL ISLANDS, Calif. (AP) — In the early morning light off California’s…
‘Washed Up’: Conservatives Torch Neil Young for Performing Predictable New Song Slamming Musk

Conservatives Criticize Neil Young Over Controversial New Song Targeting Elon Musk

At a recent charity concert in Los Angeles, the 70-something musician and…
NYC lost high earners and billions in income, with migrants reversing population decline: report

NYC Sees Billions Lost from High Earners Leaving, But Influx of Migrants Stops Population Decrease: Report

Escape from New York City. Between 2017 and 2022, New York City…
Aborted landings due to Army helicopter near Reagan airport 'unacceptable,' top official says

Military Helicopter Causes Disruptions at Reagan Airport, Deemed ‘Unacceptable’ by Top Official

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed on Friday that it is “unacceptable”…
Father presses for answers in college freshman daughter’s death after fall from dorm: 'She was our world'

Father Seeks Answers in College Freshman Daughter’s Tragic Dorm Fall: ‘She Was Our World’

A father from Washington state is seeking answers regarding the investigation of…
Mugshot of James Farthing.

$167.3M Powerball Winner Involved in Hotel Altercation With Police and Guest

A LOTTO winner who scored a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot is accused…
Ex-FBI agent involved in Hunter Biden, Trump probes celebrated Peter Navarro's 2022 indictment: ‘Wow. Great’

Former FBI Agent Who Worked on Hunter Biden and Trump Investigations Reacted to Peter Navarro’s 2022 Indictment: ‘Wow. Great’

The Republican Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chuck Grassley from Iowa,…
Dana Perino and Karoline Leavitt in conversation at a Fox Nation event.

Fox News’ Dana Perino and Karoline Leavitt Connect Over Press Secretary Challenges and Age-Difference Marriages in Open Conversation

FOX News’ Dana Perino and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have…
NYC dogs are recreating celebs' Met Gala looks at this year's Pet Gala

New York City Dogs Are Dressing Up Like Celebrities from the Met Gala for This Year’s Pet Gala

These doggie outfits will knock you out. Sunset Park Yorkie Louie is paying homage…
President Trump's Attempt To Give America A Boost In The Microchip Industry Looks Good, Thanks To Taiwan

President Trump’s Efforts to Strengthen America’s Microchip Sector Seem Promising with Taiwan’s Help

President Donald Trump’s attempt to give America a major boost in the…
Trump administration to cut staffing at CIA, NSA and other intelligence agencies

Reduction in Staffing Levels Announced for CIA, NSA, and Intelligence Agencies by Trump Administration

The White House is aiming to decrease staffing levels at the CIA…