Texas Panhandle officials reported that electricity cables caused wildfires, destroyed houses, and killed thousands of cattle. The firm Xcel Energy admitted that their equipment likely started the biggest Smokehouse Creek fire in state history.

The Texas A&M Forest Service confirmed that investigations revealed power lines as the source of the Smokehouse Creek fire and the adjacent Windy Deuce fire. While Xcel Energy admitted its equipment's involvement in the Smokehouse Creek fire, it denied responsibility for the Windy Deuce fire, according to AP News.

The Smokehouse Creek fire ravaged nearly 1,700 square miles, destroying numerous structures. Xcel Energy, headquartered in Minnesota, refuted allegations of negligence in infrastructure maintenance and operation, stating that its equipment's involvement in the ignition is based on available information.

An aerial view shows cattle grazing on a small island of grass surrounded by a burned landscape in the aftermath of the Smokehouse Creek fire on March 03, 2024 near Pampa, Texas. The fire has burned more than a million acres in the Texas Panhandle, killing at least two people and destroying more than 500 structures. (Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images) 

Xcel Pledges Support for Recovery

The utility company has contested assertions of negligence in maintaining and operating its infrastructure. It emphasized that individuals whose properties were damaged or livestock perished can file claims.

Xcel Energy Chairman, President, and CEO Bob Frenzel remarked that the company has been active in the Texas Panhandle through our subsidiary, Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS), for over a century and considers the individuals in the area as friends, neighbors, and family, as per a CBS News report.

"We are deeply saddened by the losses incurred in this community, and we are committed to supporting its renewal and recovery," Frenzel noted in a statement.

Downed power lines have previously sparked major wildfires, including fatal incidents in Maui and California. Last week's wildfires in the Texas Panhandle, including the Smokehouse Creek fire, prompted evacuations and destroyed hundreds of structures. As many as 500 structures may have been lost in the fires, according to officials.

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Aurora Champion does her part as her parents help a friend whose home was destroyed by the Smokehouse Creek fire on March 03, 2024 in Stinnett, Texas. (Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images) 

Utility Firms Urged to Prioritize Infrastructure Maintenance

Fox News reported that Texas fire chief Zeb Smith, 40, died while battling a non-wildfire house fire. The Fritch Fire Chief faced unexpected challenges during the rescue attempt, succumbing to the situation inside the burning home. Despite immediate efforts by fellow firefighters and EMS, Smith passed away after being transported to the hospital.

A lawsuit filed against Xcel Energy alleges that a downed power line near Stinnett on Feb. 26 initiated the blaze, resulting in significant property damage and livestock losses for residents. Dale Smith, a rancher east of Stinnett, reported the loss of 30 to 50 cattle out of his 3,000-strong herd and extensive damage to grazing land and century-old cottonwood trees.

High winds, according to Smith, were to blame for the fire's quick spread, and he emphasized the damage that faulty power lines consistently cause. He highlighted the urgent need for utility companies to prioritize infrastructure maintenance to prevent future tragedies.

"It's a sad story that repeats itself again and again because the public utility companies and oil companies responsible for these power lines aren't keeping them maintained," he said.

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