Xcel Energy crews begin replacing hundreds of power poles in Fritch, Texas, May, 13, 2014 after a devastating wildfire tore through the small community Sunday evening. The utility provider Xcel Energy says its facilities appeared have played a role in igniting a massive wildfire in the Texas Panhandle that grew to the largest blaze in state history. The provider made the statement in a news release Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Utility provider Xcel Energy said its equipment appeared to have sparked the Smokehouse Creek fire. The Minnesota-based company said in the news release that it did not believe its equipment caused the ignition of the Windy Deuce fire, nor was it aware of any allegations that it had. A company spokesman said in an email that there are power lines owned and operated by various companies in that area.
In its Thursday news release, Xcel Energy disputed claims of negligence in maintaining and operating infrastructure. The small town of Fritch, which lost hundreds of homes in a 2014 wildfire, saw dozens more destroyed last week. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week ordered that flags in Fritch be lowered to half-staff to honor Smith.