Xcel Energy, in a statement on Thursday, acknowledged its involvement in the Smokehouse Creek Fire, which erupted last week and rapidly grew to become the largest wildfire in state history, scorching over 1 million acres.
“Based on currently available information, Xcel Energy acknowledges that its facilities appear to have been involved in an ignition of the Smokehouse Creek fire,” the company said.
The utility company stated that it has been cooperating with investigations into the wildfires and conducting its own review of the incident since its outbreak. However, Xcel Energy disputed claims of negligence in maintaining and operating its infrastructure.
“However, we encourage people who had property destroyed by or livestock lost in the Smokehouse Creek fire to submit a claim to Xcel Energy through our claims process,” the statement reads.
Last week, Xcel Energy disclosed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that attorneys had requested the preservation of a fallen utility pole near the suspected origin of the fire.
In the SEC filing, Xcel Energy stated, “Investigations into origin, cause, and damage of the wildland fires burning in or near the service territory of SPS, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire, are underway.” The company also mentioned its collaboration with emergency responders to aid those affected by the fires.
