March 12, 2024
A study by the Texas A&M forest service finds that the start of the Smokehouse Creek Fires may have originated near Stinnett, Texas in Hutchinson County late last month and may have been caused by a broken power pole.
The report suggests that the power pole may have broke during high winds due to decay at the base.
Its conclusion comes after the utility provider, Xcel Energy, issued a statement acknowledging that “its facilities appear to have been involved in the ignition of the Smokehouse Creek fires”.
Currently there are multiple lawsuits filed over the wildfire that has already consumed over 1 million acres of Texas and Oklahoma farmland and structures.
As of Tuesday morning, the Oklahoma Forestry Service is reporting that the Smokehouse Creek Fire is 89% contained, and say Wednesday’s weather conditions are once again favorable to produce more wildfires.
In their daily report, they say Wednesday will bring the return of significant fire potential across western Oklahoma and areas of northern Oklahoma. The highest concern will again be focused on the northwestern counties while a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for tomorrow. The known combination of dryline intrusion and approaching cold front will present critical fire weather over readily receptive fuels.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for 12 area counties including, Ellis, Roger Mills, Dewey, Beckham and Greer beginning Wednesday at noon.
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