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
‘Extreme’ hazing allegations force fraternity suspension, investigation at major US university

Allegations of Severe Hazing Lead to Fraternity Suspension and Investigation at Prominent U.S. University

The University of Colorado Boulder has taken decisive action against its Phi…
Alaska school district erases Veterans Day from official calendar: ‘absolutely unacceptable’

Outrage in Alaska: School District’s Controversial Move to Remove Veterans Day Sparks Backlash

Exclusive to Fox: A Republican contender for the Alaska governor’s seat has…
Protesters decry U.S. military buildup off of Venezuela, boat strikes

Demonstrators Condemn U.S. Naval Presence Near Venezuela Amid Rising Tensions

In a fervent demonstration against escalating U.S. military actions in the Caribbean,…
Brady Cook being elevated could mark the beginning of the end for Justin Fields with Jets

Is Brady Cook the Future? What His Elevation Means for Justin Fields and the Jets’ Quarterback Dilemma

The New York Jets are set to feature a new backup quarterback…
Deputy ICE Dir. Has a Damning Question for Voters After Another Democrat 'Interferes' With Agents

Ex-ICE Deputy Challenges Voters: Unmasking Political Interference in Immigration Enforcement

The deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is posing a…
White House roadmap says Europe may be 'unrecognizable' in 20 years as migration raises doubts about US allies

White House Forecasts Dramatic European Transformation in 20 Years Due to Migration Challenges Impacting U.S. Alliances

The White House has issued a stark warning in its latest National…
FHP: Woman dead, 2 injured following multi-vehicle Jacksonville crash

Tragic Multi-Vehicle Collision in Jacksonville Claims One Life, Leaves Two Injured, Reports FHP

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a significant accident occurred shortly after…
Toddler fatally struck by pickup truck driver in Long Island driveway

Tragic Accident: Toddler Struck by Pickup Truck in Long Island Driveway

Tragedy struck on Long Island as a toddler was fatally hit by…
National Park Service drops free admission on MLK Day, Juneteenth while adding Trump's birthday

Controversial Change: National Park Service Ends Free Admission on MLK Day and Juneteenth, Adds Trump’s Birthday to Free Entry Days

In a recent announcement, the National Park Service has revealed a new…
Fire at nightclub in India's Goa state leaves 25 dead

Tragic Fire Incident at Goa Nightclub Claims 25 Lives: Authorities Investigate Causes

In a tragic turn of events, a devastating fire swept through a…
Chechen leader threatens Zelenskyy amid drone strike, echoes alleged assassination plot

Chechen Leader Escalates Tensions with Zelenskyy Amid Drone Strike Allegations and Assassination Plot Rumors

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s recent warnings to Ukraine, following a drone attack,…
Hallmark and Disney team up for first joint holiday movie

Magical Collaboration: Hallmark and Disney Unite for Their First Enchanting Holiday Movie

In an exciting collaboration set to enchant audiences, Hallmark and Walt Disney…