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
Mica Miller case: South Carolina pastor charged with allegedly cyberstalking wife for years before her death

South Carolina Pastor Faces Charges in Alleged Years-Long Cyberstalking of Late Wife

This article addresses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you…
Russian general killed by car bomb, third senior military leader killed this year

Car Bomb Claims Life of Russian General, Marking Third Senior Military Leader’s Death This Year

In a tragic incident on Monday, a high-ranking Russian general lost his…
Jaguars earn spot in the playoffs following Monday Night Football results

Jaguars Secure Thrilling Playoff Berth: Monday Night Football Delivers High-Stakes Victory

After a remarkable streak of victories, the Jacksonville Jaguars have officially secured…
Desperate search for two men as fishing boat found empty 70 miles off Florida coast

Florida Fishing Trip Turns Mysterious: Urgent Search for Missing Attorneys as Desperate Wife Seeks Answers

In a distressing turn of events, two lawyers have disappeared while on…
With FDA approval of Wegovy pill, new era of oral GLP-1 weight loss drugs begins

FDA Greenlights Wegovy Pill, Heralding a New Era for Oral GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

In a significant development for obesity treatment, the US Food and Drug…
Jonathan Quick playing better than last season and Rangers are wasting it

Jonathan Quick’s Stellar Comeback: Rangers Struggle to Capitalize on Elite Goaltending Performance

Jonathan Quick has significantly improved his goals-against average this season compared to…
Army veteran accused in Beanie Babies founder mansion break-in claimed pop star controlled him: report

Army Veteran Allegedly Influenced by Pop Star in Beanie Babies Founder Mansion Break-In: Report

An Army veteran from Nevada faces serious charges following a violent intrusion…
'By the Grace of God': JD Vance Reminds America Who We Are

Rediscovering America’s Soul: JD Vance’s Powerful Reminder of Our Roots

When JD Vance took to the stage and declared, “We have been,…
Macgregor: 1971 Gold Betrayal Stole Middle Class

1971 Gold Standard Abandonment: Macgregor Claims It Dismantled the Middle Class

Retired Army Col. Douglas Macgregor is sounding an alarm that cuts across…
Rob Reiner and his wife found dead with stab wounds in LA home, sources say

Tragic Loss: Son Arrested After Rob Reiner and Wife Michele Discovered Dead—Latest Details Unveiled

Nick Reiner, the son of iconic Hollywood figures Rob and Michele Reiner,…
Galveston plane crash today: At least 5 killed after Mexican Navy plane crash in Galveston, Texas

Tragic Plane Crash in Galveston: Mexican Navy Aircraft Accident Claims 5 Lives

A small aircraft belonging to the Mexican Navy crashed on Monday near…
Swimmer vanishes after possible shark encounter off California coast during group outing

Swimmer Missing Following Suspected Shark Interaction During Group Outing off California Coast

A woman who disappeared during a swim on Sunday is suspected to…