Xcel Energy Power Line May Have Ignited Texas' Largest Wildfire, Destroying Up to 500 Structures
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Xcel Energy said its facilities appear to have ignited the Smokehouse Creek fire, the largest wildfire in Texas history which has burned nearly 1,700 square miles.
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The fire was among a cluster that ignited in the Panhandle last week, prompting evacuations. Up to 500 structures may have been destroyed.
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A lawsuit alleges a downed Xcel Energy power line near Stinnett sparked the blaze on Feb. 26 when a rotted pole broke off at its base.
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The lawsuit claims Xcel failed to properly inspect, maintain, and replace the pole. Xcel disputes claims it acted negligently.
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Electric utilities like Xcel have taken responsibility for wildfires sparked by fallen lines in other states.