Texas A&M Forest Service: Power Lines Involved in Igniting Texas Panhandle Wildfires

---

Written by Paul Wiseman for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Investigators with the Texas A&M University Forest Service (TFS) have determined that both the Smokehouse Creek and Windy Deuce fires in the Texas panhandle were "ignited by power lines," the service reported. The former has burned more than 1 million acres and, as of Thursday, March 7, was 87% contained, according to the TFS wildfires website. The Windy Deuce fire, having consumed just over 144,000 acres, was 92% contained. A third fire, Grape Vine Creek in Gray County, had burned just over 34,000 acres and was 96% contained.

For the weekend, TFS sees hope at least for less spreading, saying, "The fire environment is not forecast to support an increased threat for large wildfires that are highly resistant to control through Sunday."

On Thursday Xcel Energy Incorporated (NASDAQ:XEL) (Minneapolis, Minnesota), the area's electricity provider, acknowledged in a statement that "its facilities appear to have been involved in an ignition of the Smokehouse Creek fire." In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission to "request that a fallen SPS utility pole that is situated within the vicinity of the fire's potential area of origin be preserved," but the company has denied any neglect was involved. SPS, or Southwestern Public Service Company, is an Xcel subsidiary.

However, Xcel disputes the notion that its operations are the only possible cause of Windy Deuce, contending that it is not the only provider there.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) platform helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking more than 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 trillion (USD).