"Legal Battle Erupts Over Texas Panhandle Wildfire Cause: Negligence, Power Pole, or Utility Company?"

A Minnesota-based energy company, Xcel Energy, is being sued for allegedly causing the Smokehouse Creek wildfire in Texas through a wooden utility pole that broke and ignited the fire. The lawsuit claims gross negligence on the part of Xcel Energy, its subsidiary Southwestern Public Service Company, and Osmose Utility Services. The plaintiff is seeking compensation for property damage, and investigations into the fire's origin and cause are ongoing. This is not the first time Xcel Energy has faced legal action related to wildfires, as it was previously sued in connection with the 2021 "Marshall Fire" in Colorado. Xcel Energy has stated that it is working to support those affected by the Texas wildfires and that investigations are ongoing.