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
Home explodes in California, sending debris flying into the air

Shocking Footage: California Home Explosion Captured in Stunning Doorbell Camera Video

In a dramatic incident captured on video, an explosion rocked a neighborhood…
Frankfort contractor Aaron McMann of Chi-Line Construction charged, customers say he took thousands for unfinished, poor work

Frankfort Contractor Aaron McMann Faces Charges: Customers Claim Thousands Lost to Incomplete and Subpar Work

In a significant development stemming from an ABC7 I-Team investigation, criminal charges…
Fired Michigan coach Sherrone Moore faces arraignment amid assault investigation

Breaking: Former Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Awaits Arraignment in High-Profile Assault Case

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Following a two-night stay in jail, former Michigan…
American Cancer Society backs women collecting their own samples for cervical cancer screenings

American Cancer Society Endorses Self-Collection for Cervical Cancer Screenings, Empowering Women Nationwide

LOS ANGELES — The American Cancer Society has announced its support for…
Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado dedicates award to Trump for 'decisive support'

Venezuelan Dissident Honors Trump: Nobel Dedication Fuels Freedom Movement Recognition

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado has extended her…
Trump, Clinton, Gates included in latest Epstein photo release

New Epstein Photos Unveiled: Trump, Clinton, and Gates Among Notable Figures Featured

A series of photographs were made public, though devoid of any explanatory…
80+ dogs rescued from 'heartbreaking' conditions amid Union, Clay County dogfighting investigation

Over 80 Dogs Rescued from Dire Conditions in Union and Clay County Dogfighting Probe

A recent operation led by the sheriff’s office uncovered over 80 dogs…
Chicago wind chill warning: Cold Weather Advisory issued as Chicago weather forecast calls for snow, dangerous temps this weekend

Brace Yourself: Chicago Faces Bone-Chilling Wind Chill and Snowy Weekend in New Weather Alert

CHICAGO (WLS) — Prepare for a snowy and freezing weekend as severe…
Chicago firefighters battle large house fire on South Lafayette Avenue on South Side

Blaze Erupts on South Lafayette Avenue: Chicago Firefighters Rush to the Rescue

In a dramatic turn of events on Friday evening, Chicago firefighters found…
Skydiver survives after reserve parachute accidentally deploys, leaving him dangling from flying airplane

Skydiver’s Astonishing Survival: Reserve Parachute Mishap Leaves Him Hanging from Plane

A skydiver had a close call when his reserve parachute unexpectedly deployed…
Disney's 'Zootopia 2' hits $1 billion at the global box office in record time

Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ Smashes Box Office Records, Surpassing $1 Billion Globally Faster Than Ever

Disney’s latest hit, “Zootopia 2,” is on the brink of reaching a…
Venezuela accuses US of 'piracy' after seizing massive oil tanker

Venezuela Condemns US ‘Piracy’ Over Seizure of Major Oil Tanker, Escalating Tensions

On Wednesday, Venezuela issued a strong condemnation of the United States’ seizure…